United Takes Home First Victory Over Ann Arbor in 2-0 Win
Joe White breaks Lansing United record; Hoops have not surrendered a goal
Two undefeated teams started the match.
Only one can still say so.
Lansing United notched their first win ever over AFC Ann Arbor with a 2-0 victory at Archer Stadium, moving within three points of the conference-leading visitors with two matches in hand.
“I’m really happy for the guys, it was a really good team performance,” said coach Nate Miller. “They were really disciplined, really courageous in certain aspects, defended really well when we had to and were phenomenal in the break.”
The Hoops got on the board in the third minute with a goal from Rafa Mentzingen, who switched places with Tumi Moshobane on the play and took a through ball around the last defender to score at the back post. The goal was the second earliest goal in a game in Hoops history.
AFC Ann Arbor held about 59 percent of possession throughout the first half. Despite their attempts, United’s defense held the visitors without a shot on goal. Star striker Dario Suarez didn’t attempt a single shot in the match.
“An important part of our week this week not over doing it with him but really understanding what we want to do,” said Miller. “We frustrated him, credit goes to George Knight and Andres Reales because that’s who we were funneling him towards and he just kind of fell out of the game mentally.”
In the second half, Lansing’s goalkeeper Joe White broke the team record for consecutive scoreless minutes. The record was previously held by Lansing’s first keeper Zach Bennett who had 244 minutes in 2014. White currently holds this record with 270 minutes – and counting.
“It’s a great feeling, credit to the team, we were fantastic from the very front,” said White. “Everyone was doing their bit defensively.”
In the 88th minute, Mentzingen wrapped up the three points with his second goal of the game and fifth of the campaign. Lansing’s leading scorer collected a pass from Pedro Patino, dribbled three times and scored at the near post for his fifth goal in three matches.
“I hope we keep this momentum going,” said Mentzingen. “One thing that Nate has been telling us is that we have to start well, and scoring a goal early gives a lot of confidence to the team.”
The Hoops have not yet surrendered a goal in this NPSL season.
Lansing United will return to the field Sunday, May 28, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. when they visit FC Indiana.
