Lansing Finish 2017 in Fourth, Tribute Captain DeCosemo
It was a bitter way to conclude the season as Lansing United lost their final match of the 2017 season 1-4 at home to Kalamazoo FC.
The first half did not start out the way the Hoops would have wanted as Jay Mcintosh scored for the visitors in the 6th minute. Mcintosh then added another to his tally just before halftime to put Kalamazoo up by two goals.
United improved in the second half, but not before Mcintosh completed his hat trick by putting away a penalty kick in the 55th minute.
Down 0-3, Tumi Moshobane entered the match in the 62nd minute and made an immediate impact. Just one minute after entering the match, Moshobane struck a penalty kick into the top right-hand corner of the net to narrow the deficit to two goals once more.
Despite the best efforts of a depleted Lansing United side, that would be the final goal of the season. Kalamazoo scored again in the 70th minute to win by three goals just as they did at home against Lansing earlier in the season, 3-0.
United have faced several off-field struggles with injuries this season and were unable to fill out the bench Sunday. United only dressed 16 players out of the 18 permitted and goalkeeper Joe White was prepared to go in at striker but went as the only unused substitute.
One player who remained healthy enough to be a consistent presence on the field was club captain and four-year veteran player James DeCosemo. The forward has his placed etched into United history as he leads the club in both appearances (43) and shot attempts (81) and is the second-leading goal scorer all-time as well with 13. This match was DeCosemo’s last for the Hoops.
“[It’s] time to move on to bigger things and open up a spot for somebody else,” DeCosemo said.
The skipper finished the season with 6 goals and also extended his scoring streak against rivals Detroit City FC to four matches. The forward from Stokesley, England has consistently represented United’s core tenants of pride, passion, and unity.
“Just getting to play is a joy,” DeCosemo said. “Playing with these guys, playing in front of these fans it’s just class. I’ve made some great memories here that’s for sure.”
Replacing DeCosemo in the 62nd minute was Moshobane, who has been a key part of United’s attack all season with four goals and four assists.
“I’d like to say thank you to the fans for coming out and we appreciate all the support,” Moshobane said. “Even though we ended with a bad run of games we appreciate everything that you guys have done for us.”
“We appreciate the supporters continuing to cheer on the guys,” head coach Nate Miller said.
As the 2017 season ends with the Hoops in fourth in the NPSL’s Great Lakes conference, United have still seen several promising signs for the future. Youngster Farai Mutatu once again played well in the loss and looks set to return next year along with Moshobane and leading goalscorer Rafa Mentzingen, who missed out most of the second half of the season. Mentzingen was integral to Lansing’s 5-0-0 start, which coach Miller recalls fondly and points to as a positive sign for the clubs future.
“We really had some magic going on there in May and June,” Miller said. “We’re going to bring that core back and… make sure we keep everyone healthy somehow.”
Next up for United is the 2018 NPSL season as United look to learn from the trials they faced in 2017 and return to the regional playoffs for the first time since 2014.
