Woodland FC Wins 9-goal Shootout at Rival Southside

"As KC glows in morning light, cast by the rising sun, the inaugural grudge will have its dawn, our oldest foe has come. Let promised glory days to come, set our souls alight. A new trial lies at our door. Today we stand and fight. Let all Shawnee rise once more to the quickening beat of battle. Let them hear our hearty roar, and fear our raucous rattle. The stage is set upon the lawn where none can run or hide. For no greater show is seen in town than Woodland v Southside."

The words of this poem were first uttered during the 2024 season as a buildup to the 2nd fixture between Select League powers Woodland FC and Southside FC. These two teams squared off in the first ever Select League fixture, and their matches have generally been close. Except for a 3-0 Woodland victory last season, their matches have been decided by at most 1 goal.

This match would be no different, and would be the most thrilling to date. Not only were the stakes for this match exceedinly high (a win would all but clinch 2nd-place for the victor), but Woodland had to win this match to maintain the slightest chance of league success. It was a battle of two teams that are the best of enemies. Here's how the action happened:

In the 2nd minute, Woodland collected possession after a failed through ball attempt by Southside. Woodland collected the ball in their backline, and executed an excellent 10-consecutive passing move that culminated in Federico Verlicchi chipping a delicate ball into the path of Sean Thomson, who let fly from close range past the Southside keeper for the early 1-0 lead. His celebration was reminiscent of Jamie Vardy as he kicked at the corner flag on the far side, but his exuberance was too much for the flag as it snapped in half, earning Thomson a yellow card for his excited vandalism.

1-0

Southside, the most dangerous attacking force in the Select League, would not take long to respond at all, and would attack with a flurry that Woodland hasn't dealt with ever in their history. Southside won the ball off an errant Woodland throw-in, and after switching the field of play, worked the ball well through midfield, where Southside newcomer, Caleb Brueckner, found Trey Berman in space. Ben Johnson was caught in no-man's land as Berman whipped in a cross to another newcomer, Jake Rainforth, who controlled and finished well past Luke Heaton.

1-1

But things wouldn't stop there. Southside won possession off a mis-hit clearance due to the wild turf. The ball was shanked right to Berman's foot off Derrick Carson's attempted clearance. Berman dribbled past his man, took it into the box, and slotted it past Heaton for the lead.

1-2

Just 3 minutes after their first goal, Southside struck again. Sabino Lozano high-pressed well and won the ball off Federico Verlicchi, who uncharacteristically was caught napping. Lozano played it up to Rainforth, who found Brueckner streaking into the box. Brueckner curled a goal-of-the-month candidate into the top corner that was simply unsavable.

1-3

Woodland captain, Chandler Givler, gave the boys a calm pep talk, rallied the troops, and began the greatest comeback in Woodland history. Just as Southside found a spark in their newest signings, Woodland would rally behind their newest signing, Jake Ashford. Thomson high-pressed Brueckner, winning possession, and forcing a deep throw-in for Woodland. Johnathan Young found Navid Istanbullu, who played it into Ashford's feet. Ashford had lots to do afterward. He overcame a good tackle, kept the ball, turned past a 2nd defender, and raced into the space at the top of the box. He then drove his laces through the ball, and smashed it home past Miles Wiedel to bring Woodland back within 1. Game on.

2-3

In the 33', Johnathan Young, who most of the game was tasked with keeping the ever-dangerous Tony Rangel under wraps, found himself in space down the left flank after some excellent dribbling. He crossed it to Brett Jackson who forced a Southside player to put it out for a throw. Jackson acted quickly, found Ashford at the top of the box, and, after managing to win the ball from four Southside defenders who just couldn't clear the ball, skipped past the last defender, and slotted it past Wiedel for his 2nd.

3-3

The match would take a decisive turn in momentum just before halftime. Jake Rainforth was able to bring down a throwin deep in Woodland territory, play a quick one-two with Rangel, and found himself alone in the box with the goal gaping for him. He lifted his shot, looking for the top corner, and saw it fly just over the bar. A huge let-off for the Royals. But Woodland wouldn't waste that mistake. Woodland won the ball off a throw in thanks to some great high pressing from Thomson once again. Givler got on the end of the ball, and tried to cross low to Thomson who had worked his way into the box. The box was deflected, and bounced up into the air. Thomson won it again, and played it back to Verlicchi, who was wide open at the top of the box. He fired his shot toward goal, got deflected the other way, and rolled past the despairing Wiedel, and giving the Royals the lead.

4-3

Halftime. Somehow, only halftime.

In the 2nd half, Woodland felt the fatigue of their incredible fixture congestion they've had to endure of late. In the last 17 days, they'd played 7 full matches, a schedule even professional teams don't endure. It was clear that some of the players were running on fumes, but proving their mettle yet again. Southside possessed the ball well in the 2nd-half, in no small part due to their fresh legs off the bench, which they had more subs for, and their healthier players. Woodland's injury fortunes this season have been dire.

The 2nd half began with Sabino Lozano earning a free kick inches outside the penalty box. He fired directly into the wall, and TJ Mikkelson was able to clear. Holding a one goal lead against a team as talented as Southside was simply not going to happen. Gage Pemberton played the half of his life for the Royals, intercepting chance after chance, blocking shot after shot, and charging the team forward from the right back spot. Ben Johnson, filling in for Xander Christian, and Derrick Carson marshalled the back line, while Johnathan Young kept Rangel scoreless. Brett Jackson ran his legs off down the right flank, creating and fighting with every ball that came his way. Even though Heaton conceded several goals, the score was never indicative of the great saves he made through the match. Jake Hilpertshauser ran till he couldn't anymore. The heart of this team was on full display.

In the 75', Hilpertshauser won a free kick after being barged from behind by Noah Leonard. Verlicchi took the free kick quickly, and found Mikkelson racing through the back line. Mikkelson chested it down, and smashed home a half-volley that sent the Woodland fans, bench, and players into dreamland. Down 3-1, now up 5-3. They had to hold on for 15 minutes.

5-3.

In the 86', Southside would make Woodland start to sweat. Leonard found Berman in space, who beat his man to the end line, and fired low toward the near-post to bring Southside within one. It would be gut-check time down the stretch.

5-4

Woodland were able to put their foot down in the dying moments of the match, and salt the clock away, securing a massive 3-points, and continuing their success over their rival club.

Woodland's next match is against Northland FC on Friday, June 27th, at Stump Memorial Park. Come to the field, show up at 5:30pm and enjoy food trucks, live music, kids' activities, and watch an excellent soccer game with fireworks to come after the match.

Make sure to check out the replay here on our yotube channel!

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