The season opener was a big success for AFC Columbia, who traveled into Kansas, and left with a 3-1 victory over Great Plains FC.
A shaky start to the game saw Great Plains FC control much of the possession during the first half, and they capitalized on a blunder in front of the net to go up 1-0 in the 33rd minute.
It didn’t take much time after that for AFC Columbia to shake off the early season rust. Just 6 minutes later a give and go between Breck Mcgrail and Henry Muñoz ended with the ball in the back of the net, giving Columbia and McGrail their first goal of the year.
At halftime both teams were knotted up 1-1.
“We had a bit of a rough start and the goal we conceded wasn’t pretty,” Head Coach Chris Miller said, “but the response was outstanding.”
The second half started out with both clubs sharing possessions and shots on goal, but something had to break.
A beautiful near 35-yard cross to the back post of the goal by Leandro Ficone Jr. was met by Robin Vandewalle’s foot, producing the go ahead goal for AFC Columbia.
Although the Great Plain offense created some good opportunities, better defense by AFC Columbia prevented any second half goals.
Goalkeeper Toby Hughes also made some key saves, redeeming himself for the earlier mishap that led to the goal.
An amazing run in the 77th minute appeared to tie the game for Great Plains FC, but it was quickly called back due to an offsides.
AFC Columbia then iced the game shortly after when an attempted clearance by the opposing goalkeeper went right to Robin Vandewalle, who sent a rocket into the bottom right corner of the net.
This clinched the first win of the year for AFC Columbia, which moved them to second place in the Gateway West Division.
Coach Miller was pleased with the team’s performance on Sunday, he remarked that scoring three goals on the road was huge for the team.
“Lots of positives all around – the bench play, the composure when behind and then the execution of some important moments in that match is what stand out to me,” Miller said.
The club’s ability to come back from early deficits has been shaky in previous seasons, but this win showed some growth for the team.
“In the past, we didn’t respond this well, but a new group here has a new mindset and it was really fun to see them get rewarded,” Miller said.
AFC Columbia isn’t done welcoming new teams to the Midwest Premier League, they face Woodland FC on Sunday, May 17 at Mill Valley High School.
After doing the same for Great Plains FC, Columbia will also serve as the opponent for Woodland FC’s inaugural game in the MWPL.
Woodland was the first team from Kansas to join the MWPL back in December of 2025. They were quite successful during their two seasons in the select league, and look to carry that over into this season.
The Select League was started in 2024, when Woodland captured the league championship; they then fell short in the final round last year. They have proven to be a strong organization, and will have high expectations heading into the season.
AFC Columbia spent their week of preparation building off of the win against Great Plains FC.
“We’ve spent a lot of time this week on defensive work and having a better idea of how we can attack better in the final third,” Coach Miller said.
Miller notes that the team did a good job last week with their defensive organization, as well as the finishing.
The team stayed busy through the week with their upcoming non-conference matchup.
On May 14, AFC Columbia played a non-conference match against Sporting Columbia. They took home a well fought 4-2 win after going down 2-0 in the 32nd minute.
The goal scorers from that matchup were: Mohamed Abouelela, Parker Murphy, Taher Lehmidi and Brian Garcia.
“Our first non-league match Thursday allowed us to play more people and get some players a sense of what it’s like to play for us,” Miller said. “So it was a busy week and hopefully a fruitful one with a result on Sunday.”
He added that the team has gained some more players after colleges get let out and some others graduate. They have been working this week on integrating the new guys with the ones who have been with the team for weeks.
Miss a game? Don’t worry! All of the games this season can be watched live or postgame on the AFCC/ Missouri Reign youtube channel.