Stalemates
Jun 24, 2026
Club
Woodland continued to sputter and drop points after a strong start to the season. After beating AFC Columbia 3-0, and First City FC 2-1, Woodland have stumbled to 3 consecutive draws. 1-1 against Southside FC, 0-0 against Union FC, and 1-1 against title rivals Great Plains FC.
The Royals' season looked to be going onward and upward until their leading scorer, Girma Kassa, got red carded in the 36' against Southside a few weeks ago. Since then, the Royals have been outscored 3-2 on aggregate, after outscoring their opponents 6-1 in the previous matches. After grabbing 6/6 points from the first two weeks, the Royals have taken 3/9 possible in their last 3 matches, and handed control of the Gateway West back to AFC Columbia. Woodland have played one match fewer than Columbia, and if Woodland win this Saturday against Union, they will sit 3 points back of the league leaders, and 1 point behind 2nd place Great Plains.
These draws have not come without some bright spots. Landon Vincent, and Nico Sepulveda have been turning in some brilliant performances of late, deputizing for injuries to the midfield and backlines. Naguib Nassir continues to impress in goal, making some incredible saves against Great Plains in particular to preserve the draw.
Joel Hayes looks on the verge of breaking through at the MWPL level. Arturo Arar rattled the crossbar, and his scoring drought seems only minutes away from being ended. Navardo Bailey put in his best shift of the season against Great Plains in a 45 minute effort off the bench. Colten Parsons continues to demonstrate his versatility as both defensive and offensive threat. Ayden Kostus played a solid 90' against Great Plains, an incredible effort for the high school lad, and held his own against top NAIA talent.
Nothing is easy right now for Woodland. The talent is there, but things just seem to be clunky at the moment. Girma returned from his suspension and immediately contributed with a headed goal against Great Plains. Chandler Givler and his staff will have to work hard to right the ship in the final 5 matches of the season, and put pressure on the 2 teams in front of them. This Woodland team can run the table, but it will take the team rowing in the same direction, some fortunate bounces, and some incredible moments of grit down the stretch. It's a mad dash for the final 15 points.
You can watch the match replay here.
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