UPDATES
May 11, 2024
Tulip City United Vs. Fort Wayne 1927 SC
May 11, 2024- On Saturday afternoon, the Tulip City United Soccer Club started its Midwest Premier League season by traveling to Fort Wayne to take on Last year’s Great Lakes West Conference Champion 1927 SC.
The Fort Wayne team took it to the Holland club in the first half, creating many good scoring opportunities, but were turned away by goalie Akani Miyambu, ending with a 0-0 halftime score. The second half was a different story as the Tulips pressed and attacked more. There were many good scoring looks including a very close direct kick taken by Michael Saldana. In the last few moments of the match, the Tulips pressed to deep and left themselves vulnerable on the counter. 1927 SC pushed up the right wing without much resistance and centered a ball that was redirected past goalie Lucas Lobo. “It was a tough loss,” said Tulip City United coach Greg Ceithaml. “1927 SC played well, but I thought we played well enough to earn the result. We will review the match and improve for our next contest.” Tulip City United is now 0-1 on the season and will host United West Soccer Club next Sunday at 5:00 in another Friendly.
Tulip City United Vs. Fort Wayne 1927 SC
May 11, 2024- On Saturday afternoon, the Tulip City United Soccer Club started its Midwest Premier League season by traveling to Fort Wayne to take on Last year’s Great Lakes West Conference Champion 1927 SC.
The Fort Wayne team took it to the Holland club in the first half, creating many good scoring opportunities, but were turned away by goalie Akani Miyambu, ending with a 0-0 halftime score. The second half was a different story as the Tulips pressed and attacked more. There were many good scoring looks including a very close direct kick taken by Michael Saldana. In the last few moments of the match, the Tulips pressed to deep and left themselves vulnerable on the counter. 1927 SC pushed up the right wing without much resistance and centered a ball that was redirected past goalie Lucas Lobo. “It was a tough loss,” said Tulip City United coach Greg Ceithaml. “1927 SC played well, but I thought we played well enough to earn the result. We will review the match and improve for our next contest.” Tulip City United is now 0-1 on the season and will host United West Soccer Club next Sunday at 5:00 in another Friendly.
March 20th, 2024
An interview with Jake Lyon, Jared Cromwell, and two-time MWPL Golden Boot winner Jordan Walker
Hey guys - introduce yourselves and briefly describe what you have been doing since last season. Focus on soccer, but mention anything else that is interesting.
Jake: Hi Tulip Nation! I am a senior at Hope college and play on the Hope College soccer team. Since last season, I have continued playing soccer at Hope College and made the 2nd team All MIAA.
Jared: I have been a Tulip on the defensive line for the last two seasons, and I am looking forward to the 2024 season. I just finished my soccer career at Trine University and I look forward to starting my career.
Jordan: I am a striker from Normal, Illinois who came to Michigan to play for WMU, where I played and studied from 2019-2023. In that time we achieved multiple top 25 rankings, won a conference championship, and made an NCAA sweet 16 appearance. The past 3 summers I played in the MWPL where I was top league scorer in 2021 and 2022. Since graduating in 2023 I have worked full time as an electrical engineer and have continued to enjoy the beautiful game in my free time.
Describe your past experiences with Tulip City United.
Jake: My last 2 seasons with Tulip City have been nothing short of fantastic. I have gotten the opportunity to play with top soccer talents across the state of Michigan and we get to continue to play soccer at a high level. Along with the friends I’ve made along the way, I love supporting Tulip City and the City of Holland.
Jared: I have loved my time with the Tulips. It has been great meeting so many talented players and getting to know them as teammates. The fans have been great and the crowds have been growing. It has been an exciting environment, and I know it will only get better.
Jordan: I have fond memories of my past experiences at TCU. For being a new club, it is very well run and has a great fan base which has allowed for a fun atmosphere and game day experience. We have been competitive in both seasons with a big group of talented players and were able to win some big games.
What are you excited about for the 2024 season?
Jake: I am excited to continue to get better as a program and to hopefully win some silverware for the Club!
Jared: I couldn't be more pumped to kick off the 2024 season! With an incredible lineup of fixtures ahead, I'm beyond eager to hit the field and showcase our local talent in front of our devoted fans. Along with the games, I'm equally thrilled about fostering a deeper bond with the community, our loyal supporters, and players. I can’t wait to see you all at the games. Let’s make this season one to remember!
Jordan: I look forward to building on the last few seasons in order to bring home a league title!
An interview with Jake Lyon, Jared Cromwell, and two-time MWPL Golden Boot winner Jordan Walker
Hey guys - introduce yourselves and briefly describe what you have been doing since last season. Focus on soccer, but mention anything else that is interesting.
Jake: Hi Tulip Nation! I am a senior at Hope college and play on the Hope College soccer team. Since last season, I have continued playing soccer at Hope College and made the 2nd team All MIAA.
Jared: I have been a Tulip on the defensive line for the last two seasons, and I am looking forward to the 2024 season. I just finished my soccer career at Trine University and I look forward to starting my career.
Jordan: I am a striker from Normal, Illinois who came to Michigan to play for WMU, where I played and studied from 2019-2023. In that time we achieved multiple top 25 rankings, won a conference championship, and made an NCAA sweet 16 appearance. The past 3 summers I played in the MWPL where I was top league scorer in 2021 and 2022. Since graduating in 2023 I have worked full time as an electrical engineer and have continued to enjoy the beautiful game in my free time.
Describe your past experiences with Tulip City United.
Jake: My last 2 seasons with Tulip City have been nothing short of fantastic. I have gotten the opportunity to play with top soccer talents across the state of Michigan and we get to continue to play soccer at a high level. Along with the friends I’ve made along the way, I love supporting Tulip City and the City of Holland.
Jared: I have loved my time with the Tulips. It has been great meeting so many talented players and getting to know them as teammates. The fans have been great and the crowds have been growing. It has been an exciting environment, and I know it will only get better.
Jordan: I have fond memories of my past experiences at TCU. For being a new club, it is very well run and has a great fan base which has allowed for a fun atmosphere and game day experience. We have been competitive in both seasons with a big group of talented players and were able to win some big games.
What are you excited about for the 2024 season?
Jake: I am excited to continue to get better as a program and to hopefully win some silverware for the Club!
Jared: I couldn't be more pumped to kick off the 2024 season! With an incredible lineup of fixtures ahead, I'm beyond eager to hit the field and showcase our local talent in front of our devoted fans. Along with the games, I'm equally thrilled about fostering a deeper bond with the community, our loyal supporters, and players. I can’t wait to see you all at the games. Let’s make this season one to remember!
Jordan: I look forward to building on the last few seasons in order to bring home a league title!
February 23rd, 2024
An interview with Tulip City United Head Coach Greg Ceithaml
We are coming up on your third season as the head coach of the Tulip City United Soccer Club. How have you seen the club grow?
Coach Ceithaml: The first two seasons flew by. In our first year, we were doing everything we could just to field a team. I had no experience at this level, but we had a great group of players at our tryouts, and we picked a squad of motivated, skilled, and hardworking players. Our first season was successful in many ways. In our second season, we used the club’s positive reputation to draw even more talent from West Michigan. I used what I learned, and tried to build on our initial success. This preseason, I am getting inquiries from excellent players and respected college coaches who recognize Tulip City United as a quality club. We have come a long way in our short history.
What do you hope to improve from last season?
Coach Ceithaml: We were skilled and experienced last summer, but I think our pace was too slow. We made good decisions and displayed vision and intuition, but we will do so this season with limited touches and accurate passing. We played many good squads last season who were organized and transitioned quickly. We hope to emulate that, with a balance of power and speed.
Are there any players you would like to recognize?
Coach Ceithml: Many people have made my time with Tulip City more enjoyable. It starts with Matt Davis and the Tulip City United Board of Directors. Matt and the Board put in long hours trying to build the club and make it the best possible experience for fans, players, and coaches.
I cannot emphasize how much help Chris Hofland and his son Grant Hofland have been as a coaching staff. Their experience and passion are inspiring to me, and I greatly value their friendship. Perhaps the greatest reason I love coaching is the relationships I have built with the players. I have gotten to work with exemplary young men who represent the club in the best possible way. I have learned so much from them. I only hope they have enjoyed their time with the club as much as I have.
Since I am recognizing important people, I have to mention my wife Cyndi and my family. Their willingness to sacrifice allows me to spend so much time doing what I love. I am lucky to have their love and support.
There is a rumor that this may be your last season as the coach of Tulip City United. Any truth to that?
Coach Ceithml: I have had an incredible experience with the Tulip City United Soccer Club, and I will always cherish my time as the coach, but this season will be my last. There are many successful soccer coaches in West Michigan, and I know the club will find an excellent coach who will take what we have built and push the club forward. I plan to stay on with the club’s board and help where I can, but someone else will have the fun of selecting and leading the team in the 2025 season and beyond.
An interview with Tulip City United Head Coach Greg Ceithaml
We are coming up on your third season as the head coach of the Tulip City United Soccer Club. How have you seen the club grow?
Coach Ceithaml: The first two seasons flew by. In our first year, we were doing everything we could just to field a team. I had no experience at this level, but we had a great group of players at our tryouts, and we picked a squad of motivated, skilled, and hardworking players. Our first season was successful in many ways. In our second season, we used the club’s positive reputation to draw even more talent from West Michigan. I used what I learned, and tried to build on our initial success. This preseason, I am getting inquiries from excellent players and respected college coaches who recognize Tulip City United as a quality club. We have come a long way in our short history.
What do you hope to improve from last season?
Coach Ceithaml: We were skilled and experienced last summer, but I think our pace was too slow. We made good decisions and displayed vision and intuition, but we will do so this season with limited touches and accurate passing. We played many good squads last season who were organized and transitioned quickly. We hope to emulate that, with a balance of power and speed.
Are there any players you would like to recognize?
Coach Ceithml: Many people have made my time with Tulip City more enjoyable. It starts with Matt Davis and the Tulip City United Board of Directors. Matt and the Board put in long hours trying to build the club and make it the best possible experience for fans, players, and coaches.
I cannot emphasize how much help Chris Hofland and his son Grant Hofland have been as a coaching staff. Their experience and passion are inspiring to me, and I greatly value their friendship. Perhaps the greatest reason I love coaching is the relationships I have built with the players. I have gotten to work with exemplary young men who represent the club in the best possible way. I have learned so much from them. I only hope they have enjoyed their time with the club as much as I have.
Since I am recognizing important people, I have to mention my wife Cyndi and my family. Their willingness to sacrifice allows me to spend so much time doing what I love. I am lucky to have their love and support.
There is a rumor that this may be your last season as the coach of Tulip City United. Any truth to that?
Coach Ceithml: I have had an incredible experience with the Tulip City United Soccer Club, and I will always cherish my time as the coach, but this season will be my last. There are many successful soccer coaches in West Michigan, and I know the club will find an excellent coach who will take what we have built and push the club forward. I plan to stay on with the club’s board and help where I can, but someone else will have the fun of selecting and leading the team in the 2025 season and beyond.
January 16th, 2024
Daniel Arellano / Muskegon Riser
Daniel was a wing in 2023 for Tulip City United. This local soccer star played for Holland High School where he was a two-time 1st team all-state player, Holland High's only Dream Team player, and a state champion in 2017. Since then, he has been pursuing his dream of being a professional soccer player. He has spent time on a semi-professional program in California, and he currently plays for the Muskegon Risers. Here's our recent Q&A with Daniel.
How did you become a Muskegon Riser?
Daniel: I was invited by a friend of mine out in GR and made my way to a Risers practice and got called back after the first practice to continue practicing with the team.
What do you like about the club and the experience?
Daniel: It's very family-oriented. From the ownership, coaching staff, and my teammates, it all feels like a family, and we all get along very well. The experience has been new to me because it's not your average indoor play. It has a very fast pace and quick substitutions.
What do you bring to the Risers and how has the team helped you become a better player?
Daniel: I bring a lot of positivity and drive to the team. In only my second year, I'm still learning the MASL 2 game, being the role player, and learning from every game I play. I know my ability to dribble and create brings a lot to the team. The team has helped guide me through every practice and film. I listen to teammates who have been a part of the Risers organization for 5 plus years and the style of indoor that is played in the league. Being patient and watching my teammates day in and day out in practice helps me to understand this indoor style of play. I have a lot to learn, but I'm willing and hoping to help bring a championship with my talents.
Daniel Arellano / Muskegon Riser
Daniel was a wing in 2023 for Tulip City United. This local soccer star played for Holland High School where he was a two-time 1st team all-state player, Holland High's only Dream Team player, and a state champion in 2017. Since then, he has been pursuing his dream of being a professional soccer player. He has spent time on a semi-professional program in California, and he currently plays for the Muskegon Risers. Here's our recent Q&A with Daniel.
How did you become a Muskegon Riser?
Daniel: I was invited by a friend of mine out in GR and made my way to a Risers practice and got called back after the first practice to continue practicing with the team.
What do you like about the club and the experience?
Daniel: It's very family-oriented. From the ownership, coaching staff, and my teammates, it all feels like a family, and we all get along very well. The experience has been new to me because it's not your average indoor play. It has a very fast pace and quick substitutions.
What do you bring to the Risers and how has the team helped you become a better player?
Daniel: I bring a lot of positivity and drive to the team. In only my second year, I'm still learning the MASL 2 game, being the role player, and learning from every game I play. I know my ability to dribble and create brings a lot to the team. The team has helped guide me through every practice and film. I listen to teammates who have been a part of the Risers organization for 5 plus years and the style of indoor that is played in the league. Being patient and watching my teammates day in and day out in practice helps me to understand this indoor style of play. I have a lot to learn, but I'm willing and hoping to help bring a championship with my talents.
November 6th, 2023
Collegiate Players Update
Tulips Seth Walters, Jake Lyon, and O’lee Olsen, and former Tulip Ethan Jansen finished their season at Hope College with a 11-4-3 record, seeding them 2nd in the MIAA conference tournament. Unfortunately, Hope fell to a hot Olivet team in the quarter-finals. Lyon and Jansen were named to the All-MAII Second Team after a stellar season.
At Western Michigan University, Noah Dietrich, Jaylen Shannon, Noah Brummels, and Nick Biel, are enjoying a record season. Ranked 18 in the latest United Soccer Coaches National Poll, the team won the regular season conference championship. With a record of 13-1-3, the team has broken the team record for most games unbeaten with 16 games without a defeat. Although playing time is hard to come by, the Tulips are supporting a record-breaking season.
Abe Arellano is enjoying a very successful season at Purdue- Fort Wayne. Starting at center midfielder, the Mastodons are 7-5-4 and in the thick of their conference tournament. Arellano has two goals on the season.
Isaiah Arredondo is earning more quality minutes at Indiana Wesleyan University. The team is 12-3-4, and was ranked as high as #15 in the NAIA. Sadly, the Wildcats fell to Marian in the quarterfinals in their conference tournament.
At Davenport University, both Josh Cook and Kirby Eggers are making an impact. Both are getting quality minutes and both have scored two goals this season. The Panthers are 6-5-5 and just bowed out of the GLIAC Conference Tournament in the semifinals to Purdue Northwest 4-1.
Tulips Lucus Lobo and Rukundo Emmanuel have played very well for the Muskegon Community College Jayhawks. The team ended their season 9-5-1 with a loss to GRCC 2-0 in the NJCAA Regional Tournament. Both Lobo and Emmanuel were strong contributors to the squad.
Brady Musser logged in over 1,300 minutes for Adrian College as a defender. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs struggled during the season, but Musser gained valuable experience and scored to goals, as well.
Jack Klomparens scored the first two goals for the Tulips in the 2023 season. Playing as a forward for Oakland University. The Golden Grizzlies are 7-8-2, but have earned the number one seed in the Horizon League Conference Tournament.
Collegiate Players Update
Tulips Seth Walters, Jake Lyon, and O’lee Olsen, and former Tulip Ethan Jansen finished their season at Hope College with a 11-4-3 record, seeding them 2nd in the MIAA conference tournament. Unfortunately, Hope fell to a hot Olivet team in the quarter-finals. Lyon and Jansen were named to the All-MAII Second Team after a stellar season.
At Western Michigan University, Noah Dietrich, Jaylen Shannon, Noah Brummels, and Nick Biel, are enjoying a record season. Ranked 18 in the latest United Soccer Coaches National Poll, the team won the regular season conference championship. With a record of 13-1-3, the team has broken the team record for most games unbeaten with 16 games without a defeat. Although playing time is hard to come by, the Tulips are supporting a record-breaking season.
Abe Arellano is enjoying a very successful season at Purdue- Fort Wayne. Starting at center midfielder, the Mastodons are 7-5-4 and in the thick of their conference tournament. Arellano has two goals on the season.
Isaiah Arredondo is earning more quality minutes at Indiana Wesleyan University. The team is 12-3-4, and was ranked as high as #15 in the NAIA. Sadly, the Wildcats fell to Marian in the quarterfinals in their conference tournament.
At Davenport University, both Josh Cook and Kirby Eggers are making an impact. Both are getting quality minutes and both have scored two goals this season. The Panthers are 6-5-5 and just bowed out of the GLIAC Conference Tournament in the semifinals to Purdue Northwest 4-1.
Tulips Lucus Lobo and Rukundo Emmanuel have played very well for the Muskegon Community College Jayhawks. The team ended their season 9-5-1 with a loss to GRCC 2-0 in the NJCAA Regional Tournament. Both Lobo and Emmanuel were strong contributors to the squad.
Brady Musser logged in over 1,300 minutes for Adrian College as a defender. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs struggled during the season, but Musser gained valuable experience and scored to goals, as well.
Jack Klomparens scored the first two goals for the Tulips in the 2023 season. Playing as a forward for Oakland University. The Golden Grizzlies are 7-8-2, but have earned the number one seed in the Horizon League Conference Tournament.