What inspired this writing is something a relegated Detroit City FC support group posted just today.

@MCSDetroit: “@SonsofRansom lulz. You know when you’ve arrived when NGS has sour grapes and acts like you don’t mean shit. Even after winning the Midwest”

Now we all know the one or two people behind this account of childish foolishness, but it does lead to a big conversation that’s been going around- and I would like to end it here (for the time being).

Is Lansing United a Rival to DCFC? My kneejerk reaction is no, but I want to analyze it further.

Lansing United has been around for one season. One. They have yet to beat Detroit City, but did edge them out by a hair in the standings. I think where the ‘rivalry’ talk beings is all on the Sons of Ransom part. They’re new and want to play ball with the big kids. The big kids, however, want nothing to do with that. Little brother does usually get his way into the game, but not until he waits patiently and proves his worth in order to hang with the more popular crowd.

Credit where credit is due: Congratulations Lansing United. Truly. You did phenomenal work as a first year club in the Midwest Region, and I actually wish you luck against the NYRB U23 squad. Your success helps shape the Midwest region and shows the strength we have to offer. Whether it’s just me chewing on sour grapes or not, I do not believe you are the strongest club in the Midwest. Detroit City FC faced large officiating controversies this year, especially in Dearborn on July 4th. I will not say that a bad official is the reason we aren’t the ones headed to NY, as you earned it, but in my humble opinion the best club was taken out by an organization known for cheating.

Okay, so Lansing United and Detroit City FC aren’t rivals, but can we at least say there’s a rivalry between the support groups?

Let me tell you a personal anecdote regarding my interaction with the Sons of Ransom.

Friday, May 23 in the afternoon at Harrys. The sun is blistering hot beating down on the Northern Guard Supporters who are lubricating their vocal cords the only way we know how. We knew the Sons of Ransom were going to show up; some of us were okay with it, others were not. I was on the side of okay with it, as we’ve shown hospitality to other SGs in the past and formed great relationships by doing so. As soon as they arrived, they went upstairs into the main NGS half of the bar. I introduced myself to them, and bought a pitcher of City Beer for us all (which I myself am not a fan of, but you’d better believe if they drink something I buy them, it benefits our club and name). Decent conversation was had, focusing on European football, as it was something we could discuss without getting heated about the match that was pending. Before we parted ways, they’d promised me I’d drink for free at their bar when I made the journey to Lansing later in the year for our second matchup.

Once they’d finished their beer, one of them shouted some obscenity at the general NGS body, and they moved out. I hear only pleasantries were exchanged as they left to Cass, and I’ll keep it at that.

Fast forward to Sunday, July 13. Location: The Harrison Roadhouse. I made my way over to Harrison a bit after the place filled up, and went over to SoR after I said my hellos to the NGS faithful who occupied most of the bar. I was recognized, but avoided. No greetings were exchanged from their side, and the very guy I had spoken to the most and was promised a beer from at Harrys not too long ago stood up in front of me, turned his back, and started yelling some incoherent chant at NGS that three others joined him in. I don’t believe I did anything wrong, and hadn’t interacted negatively with them over social media, so there was only one conclusion I could draw that would explain the hostility.

Fucking Millennials.

These kids are the generation of never being told no. They are self-entitled, cocky, and for lack of a better word, brats. They miss the understanding that a rivalry stems from respect, and sometimes will bloom into hatred. Here’s a comparison everyone in the state of Michigan can understand: Michigan and Ohio State. They are arguably the biggest rivals the country has to offer. They got to this point by mutually respecting and understanding the power that the other holds. The difference between the Northern Guard Supporters and the Sons of Ransom is that there’s very little to respect when it comes to SoR. The Northern Guard outnumbered your own SG (fans don’t count) by 2.5:1 on your home turf, and you’d better believe everyone there knew it.

To create a healthy rivalry, you have to respect the other and recognize them as an opponent you have to worry about. I’m sorry SoR, but there’s nothing about you that NGS does or should respect. There is no SG rivalry between these two groups. If you think there is because of the amount of smack talk you receive from NGS, don’t flatter yourself; NGS does that for everyone. If you want it to stop, then don’t feed the list of things to make fun of you for.

If anyone in TSR is reading this, or even Cincy, you did right in our books. You’re welcome back anytime, and I know we’re welcome at your place as well. Mutual respect goes a long way.

And as for the Son of Ransom who still owes me a beer, don’t bother. You just keep dinging your cowbell big fella. You clearly don’t have an inferiority complex by your choice of instrument. I guess I can respect something about you after all.

-CMM