Josh Oakley leaves Lansing Common to take over Eastern Illinois men's soccer program
The first - and only - coach in Lansing Common FC history is heading off to new pastures.
Josh Oakley, who had guided the Robins since the club's inception in the 2021 season, was hired as the Eastern Illinois University men's soccer coach this week. And the move to the Division I program means that Oakley will no longer be able to serve as Lansing Common's coach.
Assistant coach Brent Sorg will take over as interim coach for the remainder of the season.
"It is with heartfelt thanks and a level of sadness that I leave this club today," Oakley said in a social media statement released by the team. "It seems like every ideal, moral and ethical value that I choose to align myself with is alive in this organization. Not just alive but vibrant. Not just talked about, but exemplified. I love this club."
In Oakley's lone full season with the club in 2021, the Robins finished second in the Midwest Premier League East Division with a 10-3-1 record. This season, they are 3-1-2 and currently sit third in the division. He also helped LCFC earn a bid to the NISA Independent Cup this season.
This will be Oakley's first job as a D1 head coach. He's previously led the programs at Spring Arbor University, Alma College and Ashland University. Oakley was an assistant at EIU from 2000-02.
“We’re extremely grateful to (Oakley) for everything he’s put into helping us build this club in its first two seasons,” said club president Eric Walcott in a press release. “He’s been the perfect fit in terms of building a team culture that meshes perfectly with our identity as a community-based club. And while we’re sad to lose him, we wish him all the best in this new opportunity.”
Greater Lansing fans will know Sorg from his 12-year stint as the boys soccer coach at Williamston High School, leading the Hornets to three state title game appearances (2012, 2014, 2015) while earning the Michigan High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year award in 2014.
He also served as an assistant under Oakley at Spring Arbor and Alma.
“I'm excited and honored to lead Lansing Common,” Sorg said. “Coach Oakley has done a tremendous job and following in his footsteps will be challenging. As we continue into our final month, we will work diligently to ensure we put our best foot forward.”
Contact digital sports reporter Phil Friend at 517-377-1220 or pfriend@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Phil_Friend.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Josh Oakley leaves Lansing Common for Eastern Illinois soccer program
