With defending champions Northern Indiana FC moving on to compete at the national level in USL League Two, a power vacuum has opened in the Great Lakes Conference West Division. This year marks the third season of the East/West split in the conference, and with a berth in the Great Lakes Conference Final on the line, seven clubs—three newcomers and four returning sides—are set to battle for the crown.
Whether it is redemption, a breakthrough, or the continuation of an upward trajectory, every team enters the 2025 campaign with something to prove.
No team came closer to toppling Northern Indiana FC last year than 1927 SC, who pushed the champions until the final matchday of the season. The return of Head Coach Nick Potter, the architect of their successful 2023 debut campaign, ensures a steady hand at the wheel. The club’s offseason has been quiet—perhaps deceptively so—but they’ve secured the return of veteran midfielder Jose Rodriguez for a remarkable seventh season, a symbol of the club’s continuity and leadership. The potential return of striker Abraham Kadri, who finished second in the division’s scoring charts last year, could provide the firepower needed to finish what they started.
Founded in 2022 and powered by a tight-knit community, Goshen City FC enters its first MWPL season with momentum from a strong 7-3-2 UPSL campaign in 2024. With Tyler Born at the helm as Head Coach and club founder Henrique Eichenberger pulling double duty as Assistant Coach, Goshen is looking to prove they belong. They have been among the most active clubs this offseason, announcing a well-balanced mix of new signings and returning talent. Fresh talent like Tren Schurgers and Lindo Zimba joins a squad anchored by homegrown players like Ricardo Garcia and Lucas Bontreger. With the right chemistry and proven track record of competitiveness, Goshen City FC could be a wildcard in the title race.
Another fresh face to the division, Grand Rapids SC has ambition written all over it. With Edis Maric as Head Coach and former Detroit City FC player TJ Van Slooten as GM, the club blends experience at the USPL level with local grit and international flair. Their roster includes hometown standouts Ethan Jansen, Carson Robotham, and Jared Farnsworth, alongside global recruits like Aussie goalkeeper Jack Groeneveld, and Nigerian midfielder Salvation Nkiko. Their challenge will be integrating quickly in a division known for physical play and fierce rivalries, as well as remaining competitive against local rivals Midwest United FC U23, and fellow newcomers Goshen City FC.
Holland Rovers, also known as the Struikrovers, are trending upward. After finishing eighth in 2023, they climbed to fourth last season, and the club is hoping that new Head Coach Zachary Riordan can build on that momentum. While the club has kept its cards close to the vest in terms of roster news, potential returns of Daniel Arellano and Fletcher Van Howe—last year’s top scorers—would go a long way in solidifying their attack. Consistency will be key if Holland is to take the next step forward in the Midwest Premier League.
The perennial contenders of the division, Lansing Common FC has built one of the most stable and passionate setups in the MWPL. Despite finishing third in back-to-back seasons, the Robins are still chasing their first league title. Brent Sorg returns for his fifth season as head coach, and the club has been proactive this offseason. Familiar names like Jack Heald, Jack Voight, and fan favorite Xtreme Hauk return, while signings like Brooks Boersma and Myles Foster aim to provide the missing pieces. A May 3rd Round Robin event will offer fans an early glimpse at this year’s squad—one that’s expected to contend once again.
Affiliated with one of Michigan’s premier youth academies, Midwest United U23 represents a new pathway for young talent in the region. Though new to the MWPL stage, the club arrives with a deep pool of academy products and a clear developmental mission. Hector Fernandez, their newly appointed Head Coach, has the task of preparing these young players for the rigors of senior competition. Though results may vary in their debut the ceiling is high, and the long-term project could bear significant fruit in their debut season and more seasons to come.
A familiar name in the division, Tulip City United has retooled heading into its fifth MWPL campaign. With a brand new coaching staff led by Tyler Robinson, assisted by James Lunga and player/goalkeeper coach Andrew Marsh, the club is clearly aiming for a new era. They have retained the services of proven talent like Rukundo Emmanuel, Owen Ceithaml, and Charlie Wick, while adding new names such as Paul Ureel, Zac Moore, and Colin Nieuwenhuis. Should Noah Brumels, who tied for second in the division’s scoring charts last year, return to the fold, Tulip City could be a real handful for any opponent, looking to take the division by storm.
With Northern Indiana gone, the Great Lakes West Division is wide open—and more unpredictable than ever. 1927 SC and Lansing Common FC look poised to lead the pack, but clubs like Holland Rovers, Tulip City United, and ambitious newcomers like Goshen City FC and Grand Rapids SC could all have their say. By July’s end, only one team will earn the right to face the Great Lakes East champion in the conference final. Until then, it’s all to play for in the West.
Feature Interview: Lansing Common FC
In Lansing, the pursuit of a title has not been declared with bombast—but it’s been felt in every decision made this offseason, and for the last few year. After two consecutive third-place finishes, a quiet resolve has taken shape. Adjustments have not been drastic, but intentions have been made clear.
“We are always striving for a championship,” said Head Coach Brent Sorg. “Lansing Common FC will be a contender within the conference as we blend some talented young players with a seasoned, experienced group who will be prepared for every match.”
The approach being taken is not just results-focused—it’s developmental, both on and off the pitch. While a top finish remains the goal, the club’s identity is rooted in consistency and opportunity. “Ultimately, we want to provide a platform for our players to perform at their best day in and day out,” Sorg added.
Club President Eric Walcott echoed that balance between ambition and community roots. “We always want to be in contention for winning the division and putting a competitive team on the field,” he said. “A big focus for us is on putting together a quality roster of local players that our fans can build a connection with, and for young kids in Lansing to see the opportunity to play for Lansing Common in the future.”
This sense of continuity has been preserved in the returning core. Forward Jack Voight—Lansing Common’s all-time leading scorer—has rejoined the squad, along with Calvin University standout Xtreme Hauk, who earned First Team All-MIAA and MIAA Freshman of the Year honors last fall. Their presence is expected to anchor the team’s attack, while new additions like Michigan State center back Myles Foster and Butler goalkeeper Brooks Boersma are being looked to for immediate impact.
The team’s matchday edge has always been magnified at home, where the supporters are known for their volume and loyalty. “Having such a loyal, passionate fan base provides a competitive edge,” said Sorg. “We like to refer to them as our ‘12th man.’”
As the division realigns following Northern Indiana FC’s move to USL2, familiar matchups are being re-evaluated. Sorg is keeping a close eye on returning powerhouse 1927 SC. “They were a tough side last year and we fully expect they will be back in contention,” he said. “With facing them only once, this will be a marquee matchup.”
No direct rivalries have emerged yet, but each game is being treated with urgency. “We look forward to all of our division matchups,” the staff noted. “With clubs coming in and out of the league, we haven’t formed any natural rivalries, but there’s a good sense of competition in our division.”
And as for the newcomers—Goshen City, Grand Rapids SC, and Midwest United U23—they are being approached with caution. “It’s too early to assess any of the new clubs,” said Sorg, “but we suspect they will be talent-rich and eager to establish themselves within the conference.”
For Lansing Common FC, a strong roster, a deep local connection, and the unwavering backing of supporters have created fertile ground for another competitive campaign. Whether this is the year they reach the summit remains to be seen—but the intent has been clearly stated.
