Woodland FC Take Big Step with First City FC Win

Woodland came into the match knowing they would be without some key contributors to their week 1 win over AFC Columbia—David Ray Campoy, nursing a groin injury, and Naguib Nassir. Elluan Martins Gomes, and Miguel Guillen would step in admirably, and contribute often.

This match carried massive implications to the fate of the Gateway West conference. First City, the early front runners after 2 straight wins against Southside FC (4-1), and Union KC (3-0), wanted to keep their foot on the gas against another title rival in Woodland. First City welcomed an impressive crowd for such a young team, both teams put on one of the most entertaining matches one can imagine at the pre-professional level. A match that was truly end-end, and loaded with chances.

On the side of First City, Wayde Roman, Ramiro Vasquez, Sabino Lozano, Trey Berman, and Rylen Nowak were constant threats all night. First City, missing the incredible and lethal attacking ability of Tony Rangel, had to find goals through solid team play. Roman had a chance early to be 1-1 with the Woodland keeper, Guillen, but Roman tripped on the ball, and squandered his chance. Vasquez and Lozano came close on free kicks from dangerous positions. Nowak showed great industry on either flank, and pressed high. But none were as ruthless as German, but more on that later.

For all the attacking threat on the side of First City, Kassa, Theberge, Gomes, Thomson, and Arar were just as equal to the task. Gomes showed great strength and danger on the right. Thomson snuffed out attack after attack. Arar was technical and tricky all night. Theberge ran relentlessly while creating. But Kassa came through in the clutch. As the half looked destined to end 0-0, Kassa pressed high, and capitalized on a bad touch by Grant Barry at centre-back, took a touch past him, and curled a low shot past Perez for the goal, and crucial right at the break.

1-0

First City came out of the half determined to make things happen. Enter Trey Berman. After First City cleared out a corner kick from Woodland, David Marshall sent a high ball toward the Woodland back line. Okwuone had the chance to head it out, or take a touch. He took a touch, and uncharacteristically mishandled it, and turned it over. The ball fell at Berman's feet, and he did not waste it. He caught Guillen off his line, and hit a dipping shot that arced beautifully through the humid air, and bulged the back of the net. A true goal of the season candidate.

1-1

Woodland, now forced to respond, would do that with aplomb. Theberge attacked his man with pace down the right wing, dribbling well, and forced the First City defender to make a reckless challenge in the penalty box. He clipped Theberge, giving Woodland the penalty kick, which Kassa slotted into the same side as the first goal, his 4th of the season.

2-1

Woodland held off First City with some clutch defensive plays by starter and substitute alike. Sepulveda, Black, Verlicchi, and Parsons fought valiantly all night. Arar came close with a late shot off the post that only was created by his great dribbling and strength to see off clear fouls against him. First City fought hard, and showed all the fight that title challengers can pose, but they were unable to break down Woodland again. And as Guillen held onto the final shot of the match, Woodland left Leavenworth with a massive 3 points, and a huge win.

Woodland's next match is June 6th against Southside FC, at home against Pembroke Hill School in KCMO. Kickoff is 8:30pm.

You can watch the match replay here on our YouTube channel.

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