Forest Falter at Home Again in 4-3 Loss to Northland FC

Leawood, KS — Leawood Forest came into last night's clash against Northland FC desperate to halt a three-game skid, but despite a spirited effort, they fell 4-3 in front of their home crowd at Barstow School.

9 Brian Ness

The evening started with promise for Forest, who struck first through winger Omar Sanyang in the 20th minute. A well-timed run and confident finish put the home side up 1-0, sparking hope that this could be the night they turned their season around.

But Northland FC had other ideas. Josue Sanchez leveled the score in the 38th minute after a scramble in the box, and just three minutes later, Tigran Topchian fired the visitors into a 2-1 lead. It was a brutal end to a half that had seen Forest largely in control early on.

The second half brought more drama. Forest clawed their way back in the 72nd minute, when Modou Kassama finished a neat move to make it 2-2. However, history repeated itself as Northland answered almost immediately. In the 78th minute, Shabani Usseni produced a moment of magic, flicking a bouncing ball backwards over both his own head and the advancing Forest goalkeeper to regain the lead, 3-2.

Leawood Forest header

The final blow came in the 87th minute, when Topchian netted his second of the night, giving Northland a commanding 4-2 advantage. To their credit, Forest kept fighting, and Kassama added his second in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late.

Leawood Forest created plenty of chances throughout the night. They were unlucky not to score more, hitting the crossbar on an indirect free kick and the post twice. Francisco Bonilla, Northland’s goalkeeper, was immense between the posts, making several critical saves with lightning-quick reflexes. Without a doubt, Bonilla earned Man of the Match honors among the traveling supporters.

Adding to the night's frustration, fans expecting to watch the match on KCAFF TV were disappointed, as an emergency situation sidelined the broadcast crew at the last minute.

Leawood Forest will need to regroup quickly, as they face another tough test Wednesday night at 7:30 PM when they host Antioch Rangers in the Select League's featured Match of the Week. The Forest faithful will be hoping their side can finally turn the tide and get back to winning ways.

Omar Sanyang scored his first goal of the season.