Butch Harmon
Sports Scene
Ranked number one in the state in Division 4, the Lansing Christian boys soccer team is off to a strong start this season.
The Pilgrims began the season reeling off 15 straight wins before dropping matches to DeWitt, the number two-ranked team in the state in Division 2, and Haslett, another Division 2 squad.
During the first 15-game span Lansing Christian totaled 89 goals while allowing just eight goals.
The start of the season has gone really well for us,” said Lansing Christian coach Tommy Ziolkowski. “We have started the year scoring a lot of goals and defending hard. The boys have learned the system and style we want to play very quickly which has helped us get some good results early on. Returning eight starters from last year’s regional finalist team has also helped with the start of the season.”
Among the returning players are a trio of players who have club soccer experience in the offseason.
“Having three club players in there has really made a difference,” Ziolkowski said. “Those guys are the engine of the team. Having such a strong midfield allows us to play the way we want.”
Senior forward Owen Resch leads the way for the Pilgrims. One of the top players in the area, Resch is a three-time, all-state player and a Mr. Soccer candidate this season. Through the first 15 games this season Resch has totaled an astronomical 45 goals with 11 assists.
Junior attacking midfielder Cullen MacKay is also having a huge season. A two-time, all-state player, MacKay is a talented playmaker who leads the team in assists with 25 and has totaled nine goals.
Junior winger Alex Binioris has added nine goals and 10 assists.
Sophomore central midfielder Carson Block earned all-state honors last year as a freshman and has totaled seven goals and nine assists this season.
Senior centerback Payton Allaire has six goals and three assists and sophomore wing Own Andrus has eight goals and three assists.
The Pilgrims also have a solid defense led by senior defensive midfielder Josh Mead, senior outside back Collin Leavitt, senior centerback Mitch Cochran, senior outside back Isaac Cisk and freshman outside back Andrew Toy. Lansing Christian is also strong in goal with junior goalkeeper Brady Carmichael who is a returning all-state keeper.
Along with having plenty of talent on the roster, the team also has a special team chemistry that makes the Pilgrims difficult to stop.
“Something else that makes this group special is how close they are as a group,” Ziolkowski said. “The group hangs out together all the time at school or after. I think this has been an important part of our success so far.”
With the stretch run of the season coming up along with the state tournament, the Pilgrims are looking to continue to learn and improve.
“The key to continue success this fall will be to continue to develop our backline,” Ziolkowski said. “With one returner from last fall, this is the most inexperienced position group we have. So far they have developed into a strong unit but we need to continue that development by the time the postseason starts to hopefully make a run.”
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