Land of Liberty and missed opportunity

April 19, 2025

Platte Purchase Middle School

Liberty FC v Northland FC

Kick off 6:00PM

Every season their is always a few teams we look out for. Woodland (obviously), Southside, and Olathe rounding off the top 3. Also kept an eye on Real OP from our disappointments last year. Liberty FC caught us lacking they were off to the races come derby day as we fell behind.

Starting XI: Austin (GK), Ulises, Preston, Manuel, Andrew, Zawadi, Elder, Shabani, Cole (c), Josue, Tee

The match started off much like our others. A chance for the opposition to take momentum. Liberty of old has gone they took every opportunity. The midfield wasn't a battleground but Liberty FC's playground. While Northland FC was able to keep a clean sheet in the first half. It was the heroics of stand in keeper Austin Gordon! Making an outstanding save time and time throughout the entire match.

Northland midfielders were able to progress up the field spracraticly. Making use of the width of the pitch and recycling the ball. Decisiveness and physicality were the difference makers. Resulting in some punt and pray football as Northland through the ball up the field without much direction.

A visably irritated Fernando asked questions during the half time break. "When do we player long ball? WHY are you playing long ball? WE DONT DO THAT"

Second half is where the game picked up. Liberty came out just as ready as they did the first half. Northland stepping it up... just not to Liberty's level. As Liberty was waiting to go into their next gear and claim the game. One quality goal sent Northland on the attack. As we were finding opportunity we weren't finding the next. Frustrations coming through as Bryce was shown a red card for "Aggressive Language" in the 68th minute. The final hurah came when a questionable handball call on Northland's CB. The ball making contact with the shoulder/upper arm area while in a natural position, hands at his side. Liberty would exploit the judgment call and secure the second goal. Ending Northland's horrid derby day defeat.

Northland holds firm in 5th place, still above Liberty FC. They'll be facing Leawood Forest on Friday at Barstow School Kick off 730PM. This league isn't a sprint but a marathon. Will Northland be able to keep pace?