First City FC Season Wrapup

First City FC Concludes Historic Inaugural Season with Strong Foundation for the Future

Every club has a beginning, and for First City Football Club, the 2026 season marked the start of something much bigger than wins and losses. In its inaugural campaign, the club introduced semi-professional soccer to the community, built a passionate fan base, created meaningful community partnerships, and created a matchday experience that quickly became a point of attraction for the fanbase.

Players sign autographs for fans after the final home match of the 2026 season. (3-3 draw vs AFC Columbia)

First City FC finished the season with a 3-5-2 record, collecting 11 points while competing against established clubs from across the Kansas City region and Missouri. Although the standings tell part of the story, the club's first season will be remembered for the foundation it built both on and off the pitch.

The club opened its historic season with a statement, as First City FC earned its first victory in club history with a convincing 4-1 home win over Southside FC at Pioneer Stadium. One week later, the club secured its first road victory and first clean sheet with an impressive 3-0 shutout over Union KC, proving early the expansion club were ready to compete.

As the season progressed, the team faced the challenges expected of a first-year organization but never stopped fighting. The club earned another signature victory on June 24, defeating Union KC 4-1 and completing the league-double in front of the home supporters at Pioneer Stadium. The team also demonstrated resilience late in the season by earning hard-fought draws against Southside FC and AFC Columbia, continuing to battle for every point in the table.

Throughout the year, First City FC scored 21 goals and ended with a positive goal difference while showcasing a controlled attacking style and structured defense that gave fans plenty to cheer about. The inaugural roster represented the competitive spirit and determination that the club hopes will define its identity for years to come.

A Matchday Experience That United the Community

Perhaps the greatest victory of First City FC's inaugural season came off the field.

From opening night through the final whistle of the season, supporters embraced the club and transformed Pioneer Stadium into one of the division’s top soccer destinations. Families, youth players, longtime soccer fans, and first-time spectators all came together to create an energetic atmosphere that gave the players a true home-field feel.

The club averaged 115 spectators per home match, an impressive turnout for a first-year semi-professional organization. The season's largest crowd of 185 fans packed Pioneer Stadium on opening night, demonstrating the growing excitement surrounding the club and the appetite for high-level soccer in Leavenworth.

One of the season's most memorable evenings came during Free Admission Night, made possible through a partnership with the Leavenworth Convention & Visitors Bureau. The community celebration welcomed 165 spectators, many attending their first First City FC match, and showcased the club's commitment to making soccer accessible while highlighting Leavenworth as a destination for sports and family entertainment.

As the season progressed, so did the First City FC matchday experience. What began as an opportunity to watch high-level semi-professional soccer, evolved into a family-friendly community event. Throughout the summer, the club introduced a dedicated Kid's Zone, giving young supporters the chance to stay active and enjoy the matchday experience.

The Kid's Zone featured interactive activities including cornhole, Spot Kick, and an inflatable soccer dart board, creating an environment where children could play while parents enjoyed the matchday festivities. The additions quickly became a favorite attraction for families and reflected the club's commitment to making every home match an enjoyable experience for supporters of all ages.

Looking Ahead

With valuable experience gained during its first campaign, First City FC now turns its attention to the future. The club will continue strengthening its roster, expanding its community presence, enhancing its partnerships, and pursuing its long-term vision of bringing championship-caliber soccer to Leavenworth.

Equally important is the continued evolution of the First City FC matchday experience. Building on the success of this season, the club plans to further expand its family-friendly offerings with additional activities, halftime entertainment, and interactive experiences designed to make every home match a destination event. The goal is simple: create an atmosphere where fans don't just attend a soccer match, they enjoy an evening of entertainment, community, and hometown pride.

As First City FC enters its second season, supporters can look forward to an even bigger and better experience both on and off the pitch.

The inaugural season may have concluded, but the momentum is only beginning. Together, the club and its supporters are building a tradition that will continue to grow for years to come.

Inaugural Sponsors & Partners

We’d like to thank all of our sponsors and partners for being willing to support a fledgling organization with aspirations to grow soccer in the region-

• Tiffany Andrews State Farm Insurance

• Taqueria El Sabor

• Exchange Bank & Trust of Lansing

• Pioneer Nutrition

• Moore Cabinet Shop

• Gators Games and Hobby

• Leavenworth Soccer Association

• Caraway Printing

• Salt Athletic

2026 Season Highlights

• Standings: 4th Place

• Record: 3 Wins – 5 Losses – 2 Draws

• Goals Scored: 21 (+1 goal differential)

• First-Ever Club Victory: 4-1 vs. Southside FC

• First-Ever Road Victory: 3-0 at Union KC

• First-Ever Clean Sheet: 3-0 at Union KC

• Largest Wins: 4-1 vs Southside FC and Union KC

• Individual player awards and achievements will be posted shortly!

Thank You, First City FC Community!

To every supporter who filled the stands, every sponsor who believed in our vision, every volunteer who gave their time, every youth player who looked up to our team, and every player and coach who wore the First City FC crest with pride—Thank You!

The first chapter of First City FC has been written. Now, it's time to build the next one.