GRSC Reflects On Inaugural MWPL Season: Grit, Growth, and Glory on the Horizon
Grand Rapids Soccer Club (GRSC) has concluded its first season in the Midwest Premier League (MWPL). The team began the campaign with a series of losses and ties before finishing with two consecutive victories.
GRSC defeated Lansing Common FC and Tulip City United SC in its final two matches, which were major wins, as these opponents were considered the club’s primary rivals for 2025. The entire staff were pleased with the conclusion of the season, as it highlights the momentum behind the club. GRSC benefited from new gameday staff members in 2025. Each of them improved the organization and execution of gameday operations immensely and we are so thankful for their help.
Captain Ethan Jansen shakes hands in the pre-game coin toss between Lansing Common FC and Grand Rapids SC.
The team roster included players from local universities as well as several incoming college freshmen expected to contribute at the collegiate level. The new faces: Seth Russ (Stetson), Tyler McGlaun (Indiana Wesleyan), Val Burlecenco (Davenport, USC-Salkehatchie), Brody Conlon (Davenport), Jasper Schinkel (Aquinas, Dayton Dutch Lions), Sebastian Aguillon (Aquinas), Arman Zahidic (BIH), Peyton Mull (Northwood), Brady Musser (Adrian), Jose Ivan (Kuyper), Elijah Maas (GRCC), Zac Vanderhaag (Cedar Springs HS). Many of these players grew up playing in local youth clubs, and so it was great for them to showcase themselves. This reflects what GRSC is all about—giving our local players a stage!
The home games at Mehney Field consistently averaged 100–200 attendees, a major milestone for GRSC in our first MWPL season. The club will continue to aim higher in an effort to grow the game of soccer in West Michigan and make it open to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, club affiliation, or background. Soccer in the United States has a tendency to feel unwelcoming to some families, players, and fans. GRSC aims to change that.
The club wishes to remind supporters of its shared purpose—the reason the team was created: to create accessible player pathways that strengthen soccer talent in West Michigan. With youth club connections at GRSC spanning AYSO United, Michigan Power, PASS FC, MFA, East FC, and others, the organization understands that older age groups in club soccer are failing our Grand Rapids talent. GRSC intends to provide pathways for emerging players who would otherwise need to pay thousands of dollars to play on top-level academy and reserve teams teams to get exposure for college and professional opportunities. The club believes it can build an alternate, sustained pathway focused on player quality rather than socioeconomic status.
The club will return to the MWPL for the 2026 season with the goal of establishing itself as one of the league’s most competitive teams. In the meantime, be sure to support us in other ways; grab some swag from our gear shop (gr.soccer/shop), or consider becoming a partner (gr.soccer/partner). The GRSC vision is only possible with YOU! Spread the word and help GRSC grow to meet this reality.
