Olathe United Wins Hard Fought Game In Season Opener Versus Liberty FC.

Starting 11 for Game 1 of 2025: Dylan Traudt, Parker Hurla, Simon Esh, Khary Hasam, Kyan Rice, Bilal Olayiwola, Reuben Kester (C), Max Leiker, Noah Conniver, Ryan Lytton, Alex Kohl

Olathe United kicked off the 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a rebuilt and well-coached Liberty FC Squad on a cold Saturday night at Maranatha Christian Academy Soccer Field. Olathe United, made up of college and high school players, possessed the ball very well in the defensive and middle third of the field. The final third presented some problems for the hosts but that was to be expected for a team that hasn't held any practices this year due to its' players having college and club commitments.

After some halftime adjustments, the boys were able to really start putting pressure on Liberty's outstanding keeper who made several nice saves. Olathe United finally broke through in the 82nd minute when midfielder Noah Conover did some outstanding work to beat two defenders and slip a ball through to midfielder Max Leiker who calmly beat a defender and the onrushing keeper. Approximately 2 minutes later, striker Lucas Porter beat a defender on the left side of the box and slipped a trivela pass to Max Leiker who again used some skill to beat a defender and slot it home. Liberty got on the scoreboard in the 89th minute from an own goal when the ball caromed off a toe of an Olathe United defender in the box.

After the game, Head Coach Todd Esh commented "This was a really difficult but good opening game as it really tested us. Hats off to Liberty FC for totally rebuilding their team from last year. They are a really goood team. I was extremely proud of our boys. This was their first time playing together. Most know each other from playing against each other in high school or club soccer but we haven't had any practices because they are away at college or are in the middle of their club season. We need to learn each other's tendencies quickly. The soccer skill is there and that showed with large stretches of possession in our opponent's half. Our spacing was off in the first half but that was to be expected. We cleaned that up in the second half and did a much better job of staying onsides. I am really excieted ot see this team progress and improve as they get to know each other. They will only improve from here."

The next game is Saturday, April 12 at 7PM at Maranatha Christian Academy against Leawood Forest. Special thanks to Mail Point for sponsoring our team this year. Visit their location in Leawood for all of your shipping needs!