UNITED SUFFERS COSTLY 2-0 LOSS TO GRFC

Two weeks ago, a confident Lansing United eased past Grand Rapids with four goals.

Since then, confidence is in short supply. Despite passionate efforts by the Hoops, Grand Rapids escaped Archer Stadium with a 2-0 win in the rematch during Saturday night’s battle.

“They wanted it more than us today,” said captain James DeCosemo, “I think we lacked confidence and desire to go battle for a game which is what it takes to win championships.”

There was no doubt that fans were on the edges of their seat for this match. Intensity filled the atmosphere at the East Lansing Soccer Complex with supporters from both teams making noise all night.

An early goal by Grand Rapids in the 18th minute by Anthony Bowie gave the visitors a lead and forced a tactical change from United, who went to three at the back to increase attacking options.

Regardless of a change in strategy, which netted eleven shots, Lansing couldn’t get on the scoreboard.

With five games left in the season, United’s fate rests on their matches with Detroit City and AFC Ann Arbor. Miller says, “It’s going to take big performances and personalities the rest of the way.”

“Maybe that’s on me (as the captain),” said DeCosemo. “As a team, we need to come back and show we can come together and play like an actual team.”

NOTES: Stevenson Storm made his first league start back from injury and logged six shots, tying with Rafa Menztingen for most in a match for the season…Lansing’s scoreless streak reached 137 minutes…a red card to Nick Strack rules him out of the match against Ann Arbor on July 1st.