So here we are.
The postseason.
For those who came out to Jimmy’s Pub last fall to meet Eric Rudland and Boyzzz Khumalo and see the unveiling of the name, I don’t think you could have expected that the ride would still be going at this point. There have been so many great moments along the way that it’s hard to rank them, but that’s been a great problem to have. And there are still great moments to come to add to that list.
But let’s not rest on any laurels here.
Only the Southeast Conference (where four teams fought it out for one playoff spot until the final weekend) had a more compelling race in the late stages of the regular season. Defeating the Indiana Fire and settling for a draw against Detroit City was a great accomplishment, showing what Lansing United can do when the pressure is on. This team had to scrap for points until the final whistle of the season to get here, and they don’t want to stop now.
One of the hallmarks of that success has been the ability of players to step up when called upon, no matter what their previous contribution. Tyler Moorman’s headed goal to win a road game against the Michigan Stars, Marcus Ugarte’s wonder strike against AFC Cleveland, Andrew Hill’s game winner at MSFC, Gabe Mateo’s instant contribution against Detroit – we wouldn’t be watching more action this weekend if any one of those didn’t happen. When Matt Brown was suspended for the July 4th match against Cincinnati, Brian Cunningham stepped up with a hat trick. And Cody Archibald’s clearance off the line in Dearborn is as important a moment as any this season.
Now the NPSL championship is just four wins away.
Before you discount our chances to bring home the trophy, look at the history of the league champions. Since the NPSL played its first season in 2003, no fewer than FIVE teams won the title in their very first season in the league (and that’s not counting the Arizona Sahuaros who won the very first one). In fact three of the last four champions have been debutants, and the only one who wasn’t was a second year program. There’s not a lot of carry-over on rosters around the country, so any team can catch lightning in a bottle and ride their luck.
Does Lansing United have the talent? Certainly.
Do we have the backing of the fans? Of course. We wouldn’t be here without you.
Do we have the luck?
Come on out and see first hand. We can’t wait to find out.
