By John Stein
July 19th 2021
Sunflower State FC (SSFC) wrapped up their first season in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) -- Midwest Conference South Division in 3rd place with an even win/loss ratio of 3 wins, 2 ties, and 3 losses.
SSFC had an impressive start to the UPSL Spring Season with a dominant performance over Barilleros that ended 5-0. Our leading goal scorers for the Spring Season, player-manager Nick McDonald and Girma Kassa who combined for 17 of the 21 goals this season.
As we progressed through the UPSL Spring Season, we saw many positive, promising moments for our squad along with a few hiccups where our players will look to improve throughout the upcoming Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) season. We will be focused on improving our defensive resolve until the final whistle after conceding 90th+ minute goals four times throughout the UPSL season, dropping crucial points. Sunflower was still in line for a chance at the Conference Championship heading into the last game of the season. Sunflower was up 2-0 early on, but still could not keep the lead in critical situations. Sunflower still qualified for the UPSL Regional Postseason Cup, but unfortunately the Sunflower’s bracket was canceled.
Despite dropping those points, we have seen incredible individual performances from our players such as our captain, Wyatt Fowler, player-manager Nick McDonald, Girma Kassa, Caden McLagen, Shfeo Lar, Cameron Caldwell, and Carson Lindsey (both Shfeo and Carson will be incoming freshmen at University of Missouri Kansas City).
We have such promising young talent in collaboration with Youthrise KC, our nonprofit partner organization that helps youth players get the chance to play the Beautiful Game and grow as a team.
On August 7th starting at 6:30 am, we are hosting a charity team-golf tournament and auction to benefit Youthrise KC and SSFC at Swope Memorial Golf Course. Teams are made up of four players each with a cost of $340 per team. We would love to see you there for a great day of golf, meeting the team, and an auction for some great prizes!
We would also like to give a huge shout-out and Thank You to our sponsors: Neuromics, Darkhorse, Auto Ofertas, HowHealthcareworks, Eddy Waters Keller Williams, and Williams Family Dentistry. None of this would be possible without your support and we look forward to the future of this club with your collaboration!