LANSING - “I’m dead, all of us are dead we left it all out there, we gave everything we had,” said Lansing United’s Alex Greene after their ‘’Duel at DeMartin” match against Detroit City FC on Sunday, July 10th at Michigan State’s DeMartin Stadium.

This match had more on the line than just your regular season game, the two NPSL rivals were dueling for the one remaining spot in the playoffs and a loss could evaporate their Midwest Region postseason dreams.

United, on a two-game winning streak had bounced back from a rough patch. “About three, two weeks ago when we played Ann Arbor we thought we were done and now we’ve bounced back and played the best soccer we’ve played so that’s just the way the game works,” said Lansing United’s James DeCosemo.

With this game working in their favor, Lansing United hoped to keep up their dominance over Le Rouge at DeMartin Stadium winning the past two series.

Although Detroit City FC came into the game with nothing to lose, they had everything to gain with a win over United. “Psychologically approaching the game we had to be pretty careful because they had nothing to lose and they were going for it so we knew they would come at us,” said Miller.

Le Rouge came out hard at United drawing three yellow cards in the first half and 12 fouls against the blue and white overall. “Until the end of the game, until the last whistle blows we always think we’re in it no matter what the score,” said Greene. “They were going at us a little more than we were going at them but I mean we never gave up, we knew our time was coming.”

Never giving up paid off in the 43rd minute for United when tied at 0, an assist from Lukas Muszong to Greene for the goal to give United the 1-0 lead going into halftime. “The goal was huge, the goal gave us a lot of confidence at halftime, but really it let us play the way we wanted to play,” said Lansing United head coach Nate Miller.

It also provided the confidence to go out fighting in the second half. “The late goal it really started us off well for the first half because you know Detroit had to adjust how they wanted to play and we got the stick in a little bit more and James he took over and made it happen,” said Greene.

It was second nature for James DeCosemo who weaved the ball past defenders and into the back of the net to give United a 2-0 lead. “I just started to relax in front of the goal and just trust that I will put the ball in the back of the net,” said DeCosemo.

Miller said DeCosemo proved him wrong. “James has an unbelievable mentality, the guy uses his strengths,” said Miller. “I mean he just uses every tool he has in his game and makes it effective on the pitch, he is so strong mentally and he is as clutch as they come right now.”

Clutch DeCosemo was again in the 74th minute scoring a second time to push United’s lead, 3-0. He made it a point to take a victory lap past the Detroit City FC fans who were in full force at the duel. “It felt good, they were just in the way. I was running to the real fans over here but I had to give them a little chant as I walked past but they’re great fans and I really enjoy playing when they’re here,” said DeCosemo.

A packed house, Le Rouge fans traveled from all over for the infamous matchup. “We’re rivals for 90 minutes and we hate each other for 90 minutes you but then we can go and get a beer afterwards,” said Detroit City FC fan Sara Miller.

“I came here from Portland Oregon about three weeks ago and I’ve been here in town and going to Detroit City FC matches and everyone told me when I was planning my trip that I should stay a week longer and go to the Lansing match because they’re like it’s a great rivalry,” said Sara.

Sara and company got their first ray of hope in the 80th minute when Tyler Channell scored for Le Rouge cutting the lead 3-1, and pumping the fans up on both sides even more. “My son says it doesn't matter who's cheering for who when there's a crowd like that it’s just the noise gets ya, keeps ya pumped up,” said Michael Dunn, father of United captain Austin Dunn.

For some players, this was the biggest crowd they had ever played in front of. “It’s amazing the atmosphere is crazy, I mean I’ve never played in front of this many people, it’s a great experience,” said Greene.

United came out not only with the 3-1 victory over Detroit City FC but also with a chance to compete in the postseason, something Miller believes wouldn’t be possible without the support of their loyal fans. “I’m even more excited for the Sons of Ransom and Lan U supporters they deserve it, they stuck by our team when we were in a moment where our season was right on the brink but they stayed positive,” said Miller.

A feeling of gratitude that can be felt through the stand all the way down to the field. “Those guys are quality and they really push us forward when they need it, sometimes you just need a little pickup with things aren’t working for you and they definitely do that for us,” said DeCosemo.

With this win in the back of their minds, United will take tomorrow off and on Tuesday will start to prepare to take on Grand Rapids FC in their last regular season match.

Miller ended the postgame huddle with this message: “I’m just proud of you guys, I’m proud of you guys for competing and just staying mentally so strong, after they scored that goal you guys remember, you remember Ann Arbor. We learned from our mistakes, that’s what wise men do and you guys responded. I don’t have any words for you guys other than just enjoy it and congratulations, it’s well deserved it was all you guys, well done!”