Post-Game Report: Leawood Forest vs Crown Villa

Venue: Barstow School

Final Score: Leawood Forest 0 - 2 Crown Villa

Date: May 18, 2025

Leawood Forest’s search for their first win of the season continued Saturday evening, falling 2-0 to Crown Villa in a gritty, tightly contested match at Barstow School. Despite the final scoreline, Forest showed a determined effort that suggests better days may be ahead.

Crown Villa, entering the match sitting comfortably in the upper half of the table, were made to work hard for all three points. Lukas Lubingo opened the scoring in the 26th minute, capitalizing on a rare lapse in the Forest back line. That lone goal stood until late in the second half, as both teams traded momentum in a physical midfield battle.

The match turned definitively in Villa’s favor in the 72nd minute when a handball in the box by Abraham Lopez — recently brought in on loan from Real Overland Park — gave Crown Villa a penalty. Midfielder Jacob Isaias stepped up and calmly slotted it past Forest’s third goalkeeper and team captain, Chris Guldenpfennig, who answered the call for his squad in net.

Despite the defeat, Leawood Forest's performance was anything but discouraging. With only 12 players available for the match, the team showed resilience and flashes of cohesion that have have been shown in previous fixtures. Guldenpfennig’s leadership, coupled with a hardworking back line, kept Forest in the game until the final whistle.

The club remains winless, but there is growing optimism within the Forest camp. The loss coincided with the opening of the summer transfer window in the Select League, and significant reinforcements are expected. Sources within the club suggest that up to 10 new players could be added in the coming weeks. With a league-mandated 30-player roster cap, current squad members may be on the move to make space.

As Leawood Forest prepares to revamp its roster, fans are urged to stay tuned for official announcements regarding new signings and departures. With renewed depth and tactical options on the horizon, Forest hopes the second half of the season will mark the start of their climb up the table.

Next Match: Leawood Forest faces another tough challenge on May 27 as they travel to take on defending champions, Woodland FC.