Real OP (3-1-0, 9 points) fell in a 4-3 upset to Lenexa City FC (2-4-0, 6 points) last Saturday. Real OP was coming into the match as #3 in the standings, and Lenexa City was #7th place.
Real OP started the match without key players, most notably starting attackers Ashton Watson and Andres Chavira, starting goalkeeper Kleber Meneses, as well as key bench players.
In the opening minutes, Real OP maintained possession and chances, largely keeping Lenexa into their own half. However, Lenexa were able to strike first, stunning Real OP with a laser from over 30 yards out into the top left corner of the goal in the 10th minute. Only 4 minutes later, Lenexa capitalized on a turnover and Real OP defensive miscommunication to put the hosts ahead 2-0. Energized by the sudden 2 goals, Lenexa pushed ahead, but only 2 minutes later, forced a turnover to Real OP attacker Jason Stevenson in the midfield, who put on a stunning display of dribbling through 5 Lenexa players to then chip the keeper and sneak the ball in to make it 2-1. A remarkable 3 goals in 6 minutes.
Newly invigorated, Real OP continued to press forward and create chances. Jason Stevenson nearly added a 2nd in the 23rd minute, but the Lenexa goalkeeper was able to push the ball over the crossbar for a corner. In the 26th minute, Lenexa was able to find a break-away and came away with a strong shot on target, but Real OP goalkeeper stood big, fending off the shot. 2 minutes later, Lenexa came dashing forward on yet another break-away play, and were put in a 2v1 situation vs the Real OP goalkeeper but shot the ball wide. In the 36th minute off of a Lenexa corner, a Lenexa player at the far post was able to head the ball into the goal, making it 3-1, but as he jumped to head the ball, he elbowed Real OP goalkeeper Richard Villalobos in the head inside the 6-yard box, a clear and egregious foul. Villalobos had to be subbed off due to a head injury, but the ref did not change any decision on the field, leaving the score at 3-1. In the 44th minute following increased Real OP pressure and sequenced passing, Victor Nichols was given a golden opportunity to narrow Lenexa's lead, but sent the ball over the bar; a tremendous chance missed.
In the second half, Real OP pressed early, combing the Lenexa City defensive lines and looking for weaknesses. But still, Lenexa would respond quickly, forcing a turnover in the 52nd minute and quickly countering, nearly finding the back of the net, but the ball went wide. Their luck would come in the 54th minute, with an exceptional pass into space for the Lenexa City attacker to press forward and slot home past Real OP goalkeeper Colin Cooper to make it 4-1. Real OP responded with tenacity and would be rewarded as captain Phill Otsyula found the back of the net in the 56th minute, following a brilliant pass from Real OP midfielder Salim Omesa. They continued pressing with vigor, and Jason Stevenson nearly added a 3rd goal off of a corner, but he headed the ball just wide. Undaunted, Real OP kept attacking, and were rewarded when a Lenexa defender panicked under pressure, and tried to pass the ball back to the goalkeeper but practically passed it right into the goal for Roberto Mugabe to nail into the back of the net to make it 4-3 in the 60th minute. Again, a remarkable 3 goals in 6 minutes. Real OP continued re-energized and were so close to tying the match when Phill Otsyula forced a turnover and dribbled into a 1v1 situation with the Lenexa goalkeeper but shot the ball just wide of the post. Time and time again Real OP came close to equalizing. In the 88th minute, Victor Nichols came inches close to scoring off of a solid shot from outside the box, but the Lenexa goalkeeper came in clutch with a fantastic save to keep the game in their favor. Seconds later, Roman Briseno made a wonderful shot from 25 yards out, but the ball sailed just over the bar.
The match ended 4-3 for Lenexa City, a lucky win for the hosts. The loss ended Real OP undefeated streak and puts them at 3-1-0 on the season. They will look for revenge in their next game as they host Lenexa City for a rematch on June 1st.
Real OP 3x4 Lenexa City FC
Team 1st 2nd Final
Real OP 1 2 3
Lenexa City FC 3 1 4
Real OP Starting Lineup: Richard Villalobos; Moses Daung, Phill Otsyula(c), Moe Oo, Roberto Mugabe; Nate Bliss, Salim Omesa; Carlos Ruz, Roman Briseno, Victor Nichols; Jason Stevenson
Subs: Abraham Lopez, Davey Valentin-Rosalio, Colin Cooper, Alan Perez
Goal Summary:
10" - 0-1 - Lenexa City FC
14" - 0-2 - Lenexa City FC
16" - 1-2 - Jason Stevenson(unassisted) Real OP
36" - 1-3 - Lenexa City FC
54" - 1-4 - Lenexa City FC
56" - 2-4 - Phill Otsyula(Salim Omesa, Moses Daung) Real OP
60" - 3-4 - Roberto Mugabe(unassisted) Real OP
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