TCU takes 1st place in the Midwest Premier League’s Eastern Conference

Photos by Auden Ceithaml

On Saturday evening, the Tulip City United team earned 1st place in the Midwest Premier League’s Eastern Conference by defeating former #1 team Livonia FC 3-0. The Tulips opened the scoring Just two minutes into the match when Ethan DeWitt struck a direct kick to the near post where midfielder Ethan Jansen deflected the ball past the keeper. Livonia FC pressed for most of the half, but were not able to score on the defensive line of Marxus Lugo, Conner Fowler, Jared Cromwell, and Jackson Strabel. In the second half, Tulip City United came out with more offense. Ethan Jansen struck again with a beautiful shot from distance to make it 2-0. Injuries forced T.C.U. to play a man down for the last 15 minutes, but despite playing with only 10 men, the Holland team struck again when Jackson Strabel hit a long direct kick into the box and Christian Mendoza-Huynh beat the keeper for the header. Tulip City United’s defense and keeper Sean O’Meara were able to keep the leading goal-scoring team in the conference off the score-sheet, and took over soul possession of first place. “I was very happy with the effort today,” said Tulip City United coach Greg Ceithaml. “The defense did an incredible job under pressure. Livonia FC is a dangerous team, but our boys held them at bay.” 
Tulip City United is now 2-0-1 and travels to Wixom to face the Michigan Jaguars next Saturday.