Lansing Ignite FC defeated Forward Madison FC, 3-2, Tuesday night at Cooley Law School Stadium 

Elma N’For opened the scoring in the 17th minute after taking advantage of a Forward Madison missed clearance. Rhys Williams served a cross in from the right side that bounced over a Madison defender’s swinging leg. N’For reacted quickly to find the top corner of Ryan Coulter’s goal from 18-yards out with an acrobatic finish. The goal was N’For’s second of the season. 

Don Smart equalized in the 32nd minute, capping off a quality build-up through midfield. Oliver White eventually found Smart’s run, chipping a pass over the Lansing defenders. Smart collected the ball and calmly tucked his sixth goal of the season past goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland to level the score.  

Rafael Mentzingen scored in the 92nd minute after picking up a loose ball in midfield and springing the Ignite on a counter attack. Mentzingen played a give-and-go with Alex Bruce at the top of the penalty area before slotting a left-footed shot past Coulter to put Lansing in front. The goal was Mentzingen’s second of the season. 

J.C. Banks scored his third goal of the season in the 94th minute, cleaning up a rebound to pull Madison level for the second time in the match.   

Mentzingen and Bruce connected again in the 95th minute to steal all three points for Lansing. Bruce collected Mentzingen’s pass and finished at the near post to score his third goal of the season. 

The win moves Lansing into third place in the League One standings, just one point back of second place South Georgia Tormenta FC.