MATCH REPORT: Leawood Forest Falls Short in Season Opener Against Real Overland Park

Barstow School — April 5, 2025Leawood Forest opened their 2025 Select League campaign with a 2-1 home loss to rivals Real Overland Park in a chilly Matchweek 1 derby under the lights at Barstow School.

It was a frustrating evening for Forest, who were eager to avenge last season’s draw and defeat to Real OP. The match marked a fresh start, with Leawood beginning the season at their new home ground, widely considered the finest pitch in the league. Despite the top-tier playing surface, the crowd was sparse—only 16 brave fans weathered the cold and gusting winds. The conditions were so blustery, the corner flags struggled to stay upright.

Alexis Ramirez takes a corner.

Leawood Forest nearly got off to a dream start. Within the opening minute, striker Tim Nunez broke past the defense and beat the keeper, only to square the ball to winger Omar Sanyang for a simple tap-in. The crowd celebrated, but the assistant referee’s flag was up—Sanyang was offside, and the goal was waved off.

That early warning shot didn’t deter Forest, who held their own in an evenly matched first half. Midway through, Sanyang turned provider again, setting up Mamadou Coulibaly for the opener. Coulibaly coolly slotted it home to give Leawood a 1-0 advantage.

Real Overland Park nearly answered immediately when midfielder Michael Nichols rattled the crossbar with a long-range strike. Minutes later, they did find the equalizer. Mateo Robayo took advantage of a defensive lapse and buried a shot past the keeper, sending the teams into halftime tied 1-1.

Early in the second half, Real OP found the go-ahead goal when Victor Bamidele finished off a slick pass from Victor Nichols, giving the visitors a 2-1 lead.

Leawood pushed hard in the final 20 minutes. A golden opportunity came when Sanyang was brought down in the box, earning a penalty. With his teammates rallying behind him, Omar stepped up to take it—but his shot sailed high, over the crossbar. That missed chance would prove costly, as Real held firm and secured all three points.

Despite the loss, Leawood Forest saw strong performances across the pitch. Defender Zach Felz earned Man of the Match honors for a composed and commanding performance at the back, helping organize the defense and start transitions from deep.

Leawood Forest will look to bounce back this Saturday, April 12, when they travel west to face Olathe United at Maranatha Christian Academy. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM. Olathe United enters the match on the back of a 2-1 win over Liberty FC.

— Forest Media Team 🌲⚽