Match Recap vs Southside FC

Game Recap vs Southside FC

A historic night under the lights at Pioneer Stadium turned into a statement victory for First City Football Club as First City FC defeated Southside FC 4-1 in the club’s inaugural match on May 8th, 2026.

The night marked a trio of firsts for the club and league alike. The first match in First City FC history, the first soccer match hosted at Pioneer Stadium for the club, and the first match in the new Midwest Premier League Gateway West Conference.

From kickoff, the energy inside Pioneer Stadium was electric as an estimated crowd of 150 supporters created a passionate atmosphere for the club’s historic debut.

First City FC’s inaugural starting lineup featured Captain #8 Ramiro Vasquez leading the squad alongside goalkeeper Ryan Neil, defenders Grant Barry, Toby Witham and Juan Gutierrez, midfielders David Marshall, Jack Hatswell, and Sabino Lozano, and forwards Tony Rangel, Trey Berman, and Romario Harding.

Substitutes Ricardo Perez (GK), Jade Baartman, Gustavo Bueno, Nathan Alexander, Rylan Nowak, Wade Roman, and Mohamed Mulisya all made appearances from the bench.

Southside FC struck first after converting a headed goal from a corner kick early in the opening half, but First City FC responded with a historic moment of their own. Defender Toby Witham rose above the defense and powered home a header from Jack Hatwell’s corner kick to score the first goal in First City FC history, igniting the crowd and shifting momentum toward the home side.

The remainder of the first half saw First City FC dominate possession while Southside FC looked to create opportunities on the counterattack. The teams entered halftime level at 1-1.

The second half belonged entirely to First City FC.

Captain Ramiro Vasquez delivered one of the night’s defining moments after David Marshall won a loose ball, sending a long-range strike from nearly 35 yards out that deflected off a defender and redirected the ball away from the keeper for the club’s second goal. Substitute Gustavo Bueno was assisted by Rylan Nowak, adding another to extend the lead. Jade Baartman assisted Romario Harding who capped off the scoring in style, chipping the Southside FC goalkeeper for First City FC’s fourth and final goal of the night.

Emotions and intensity remained high throughout the match, including a yellow card issued to the Southside FC Head Coach for dissent following a collision on the field early in the match. Later in the match, First City FC forward Mohamed Mulisya was cautioned for entering the field without permission while celebrating Gustavo Bueno’s goal. Local homegrown player from Lansing, 18-year-old Nathan Alexander, made his debut as a substitute with about 10 minutes remaining in the match.

First City FC would also like to extend a sincere thank you to the inaugural officiating crew; Center Referee Drew Klemp, Assistant Referee Tanner Jolley, Assistant Referee Maggie Bielefeld, and Fourth Official Ousmane Diop for their professionalism and excellent management of the club’s historic opening match at Pioneer Stadium.

When the final whistle sounded, First City FC had secured a dominant 4-1 victory in the club’s first-ever match. A memorable beginning to a new era of soccer in Leavenworth!

First City FC returns to action on May 16th with an away match against Union KC at Paragon Star Soccer Stadium in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Field 1.