Miserable Night at Barstow: Leawood Forest Thrashed 7-0 by Southside FC

Leawood, KS — April 19, 2025

On a cold and rainy evening at Barstow School, Leawood Forest endured a night to forget in their Match Week 3 clash against Southside FC. With only 20 brave supporters in the stands, the miserable weather mirrored the home side’s performance, as Forest fell to a humbling 7-0 defeat.

Even before kickoff, things began unraveling for Forest. One of the assistant referees failed to show up without notice, leaving the officiating crew scrambling to adjust. Despite the disarray, the match kicked off — and it didn’t take long for Southside FC to seize control.

Southside struck early and often, exposing Forest's struggling back line. Possession belonged firmly to the visitors, who sliced through Leawood’s defense almost at will. By the time the halftime whistle blew, it was 5-0.

As if things couldn’t get any worse, the stadium lights unexpectedly shut off during the break, plunging the field into darkness for nearly 20 minutes. When the lights finally returned and play resumed, there was little change in Forest’s fortune.

Unlike their spirited second-half comeback attempt against Olathe United last week, Forest never found their rhythm. Southside added two more goals in the second half to cap off a dominant display. Forest, meanwhile, struggled to generate any real threat going forward, ultimately failing to register a goal against a team they had beaten just last season.

Despite the lopsided scoreline, Forest’s players kept fighting until the final whistle. Post-match, the mood was focused on learning and bouncing back. “We know we’re capable of much better,” one player said. “We’re already focused on turning things around.”

Leawood Forest will aim to regroup quickly as they prepare for Friday night’s home fixture against Northland FC, another side searching for form. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM at Barstow School. Fans are encouraged to come out, support the team, and take part in the 50/50 raffle — a chance to win cash while helping the club bounce back.

Better nights surely lie ahead. Come on you Forest.