Woodland continues strong start--claims win in Tallgrass Derby

The Royals continued their strong start to the 2025 Select League season with a dominant 5-1 win over league rivals Lenexa City FC. This was the 3rd installment of the Tallgrass Derby, and the first since Woodland clinched the 2024 Select League title against their local rivals.

However, this Lenexa City team is now under new management from the top of the administration, to every single player on the pitch. Don't let the scoreline fool you. This Lenexa City team has talent on the roster, and an owner who is building the club into something special in a short amount of time.

But Woodland wasn't going to standby and wait for them. The 1st half was one of the most decisive performances the Royals have ever shown in their short history. Almost from the opening whistle they laid siege to the Lenexa keeper, Lazalo Friday, who played an oustanding match.

Woodland won a throw on the attacking right side of the pitch, and after settling it, Royals' captain Derrick Carson whipped the ball into the box. Gage Pemberton was there to head it back across goal, for a waiting Brett Jackson to tap in from close range.

1-0

Shortly after that Woodland was on the attack once more. Lenexa had trouble clearing their lines, and were unable to deal with the Woodland press. An excellent pass from Federico Verlicchi sent Jackson on his way again into the penalty box. He selflessly squared it to Chandler Givler who chipped the onrushing Friday, and it settled neatly into the back of the net.

2-0

After another brilliant attack down the Woodland right side, a high scross was lofted into the box by Givler. Friday came out to claim it just as Verlicchi was raising his boot to control it. Referee judged it to be simultaneous and let the play continue. TJ Mikkelson was there to pounce on the loose ball and slot it home. Call could have gone either way, though it appeared Lenexa City may have cause to feel hard done by.

3-0

Halftime

2nd half started much the same as the first half. Woodland continued to pour on pressure, and were rewarded when Derrick Carson intercepted a pass on the right side, played it ahead to Chandler Givler, who fed it back to Carson, who had continued his run into the box. Carson calmly passed it into the net. A good goal to ice the game.

4-0

Woodland's scoring would be completed by Isaac Yang, who made his first start for the Royals, after some nifty dribbling on the right side, a well-worked give and go between Yang and Verlicchi sent Yang on his way into the box, and curled it past the keeper on his near post to make the matter certain.

5-0

Lenexa City would not leave without at least some measure of hope in what will surely be an exciting future for such a young team. An excellent through ball from the midfield sent the talented winger Gloire Placide through on goal, and holding his nerve, shot decisively into the bottom corner to prevent Luke Heaton from recording his league and club record 5th shutout.

5-1

The Royals next match is Friday April 18th vs Real Overland Park. Come to CHarles J. Stump Memorial Park in Shawnee Kansas to watch Woodland FC continue their march toward the title.

To watch the match highlights, go to our youtube page!

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