Woodland FC Season Preview

If the 2025 Select League could be summed up in one word, it would easily be "frustration". It was a season that saw the Royals lose 1 game all league season, yet finish second in the table to Great Plains FC, who went undefeated with 17 wins and 1 draw (to Woodland). What hurt Woodland in the end were a couple backbreaking draws in a season that saw them trail for fewer minutes over the totality of the season than the deserved champions. It was a season that saw their players battle continuously battle misfortune via injuries, with Woodland players missing a combined 94 days of time due to injuries.

Woodland now have the chance to get back to their winning ways. With a retooled roster, a new coaching staff, and a new opportunity in front of them, Woodland prepares to take the field in the Midwest Premier League, seeking to become the first ever Gateway West conference champions.

This new conference brings some familiar foes with it. Great Plains FC, their old Select League rivals, have made the jump to the MWPL alongside them. Both teams are eager to continue to lead the way as the gold standards of Kansas City. Southside FC, Woodland's oldest rivals in the Kansas City derby, have also entered the MWPL, ensuring that this rivalry will endure for another season.

This league also features some newcomers to the Kansas City men's scene. AFC Columbia, a well run club and a standard of excellence in Missouri, have joined the Kansas City based conference as the sole true road game for all the teams. First City FC joins the MWPL out of Leavenworth, with a proven staff, and players that can compete with any of the clubs in the conference.

And lastly, but certainly not least, the largest club in the conference is Union KC. A club that has a tradition of turning out excellent talent. With a strong administration, and one of the most robust youth systems in the city, Union's men's team will be a force to be reckoned with.

After leading the team for 2 seasons, former Woodland captains Chandler Givler, and Gage Pemberton lead the team as head coach and assistant coach, respectively. Some familiar faces return to the Woodland squad as well. Federico Verlicchi, and Sean Thomson return, and now are captains of the team. Luke Heaton, the only Royal still playing from year one, and Naguib Nassir return in goal. Xander Christian, Steeve Pouna, and Tate Lancaster return to bolster the backline. Tj Mikkelson also returns to bolster the midfield. In addition to the returning leaders of the team, Woodland brings tons of new talent to the field thanks to the relationships they've built with local NAIA, DII, and DI colleges in the area. UMKC, Baker, Benedictine, Rockhurst, MidAmerica Nazarene, William Woods, St. Mary's, Park, Culver-Stockton, Fort Hayes State, K-State, Trevecca Nazarene, Westminster, Avila, McPherson, and Calvary University are all schools represented on this roster. Woodland also carries 4 outstanding high school players to there MWPL team. Look for Ayden Kostus, Dylan Gregory, Austin Scarffe, and Landon Vincent to make a splash in their inaugural season with the club.

The challenge before the Royals is quite clear this season. Reclaim the throne. The battle begins this Sunday, May17th, 4pm, at Mill Valley High School, in Shawnee KS.

Tickets can be purchased here!

For video updates, you can follow Woodland here on their YouTube page.