2025 Select League Season Recap: A Year of Change, Parity, and a New Champion

The 2025 Select League season, kicking off April 5, brought sweeping changes that reshaped the competition from top to bottom. The league scrapped the unlimited substitution rule that had defined the inaugural season, replacing it with a cap of seven per team — two more than FIFA’s standard but far fewer than before. Rosters expanded to 30 players, but only 18 could dress on match day. The impact was immediate: games became tighter, goals harder to come by, and teams were forced to think more strategically about squad rotation and in-game adjustments.

A New Champion Emerges

In 2024, Woodland FC’s high-scoring dominance carried them to the title. This season, however, Olathe United rose to the occasion, delivering an undefeated 17–1–0 record and conceding just 15 goals in 18 matches. Their consistency was unmatched, and they completed a historic league and cup double, also lifting the Kansas State Cup with a 2–0 win over Woodland FC.

Woodland’s Strong Defense of the Crown

Woodland FC entered 2025 as the defending champions and remained a force, finishing second with 13 wins and four draws. They posted the second-highest goal tally (69) and the second-best goal difference (+47), but key draws and their single defeat to the champions left them just short of back-to-back titles.

Southside’s Firepower and Liberty’s Revival

Southside FC claimed third place with 84 goals scored — the most in the league — proving they could still produce explosive attacking performances even under the new substitution limits.One of the biggest stories of the year, however, was Liberty FC’s remarkable turnaround. After finishing bottom in 2024, they stormed to fourth place with ten wins and a goal difference of +6, powered by improved defensive discipline and timely scoring.

Midtable Battles and Rising Competitiveness

Crown Villa finished fifth, level on goals scored and conceded, while Real Overland Park and Leawood Forest each posted seven wins and proved difficult opponents for the top clubs. Northland FC and Antioch Rangers both struggled to climb the table but still earned hard-fought results. Lenexa City endured another challenging campaign, ending the season with three wins.

Final Standings – 2025 Select League

A League Transformed

The 2025 season will be remembered as the year the Select League evolved from a high-scoring shootout competition into a tactically balanced, unpredictable battleground. The rule changes created a level playing field, with more clubs capable of challenging the traditional powerhouses. Olathe United’s unbeaten run and double triumph set a high bar, but the league’s overall competitiveness has never been higher — setting the stage for an even more dramatic 2026.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The Select League enters the offseason with ambitious plans for continued growth and professionalism. A revamped Match of the Week broadcast is on the horizon, provided a capable media team can be secured. The league also intends to introduce official match delegates for every fixture. These league-appointed officials will oversee pregame duties such as ID and equipment checks, ensure proper ceremonies and procedures are followed, and serve as the fourth referee during matches, managing substitutions and monitoring technical areas for proper conduct.

Another major step forward is the planned introduction of promotion and relegation with the new Challenger League, currently in development for a 2026 launch. Under the proposed system, the bottom two clubs in the Select League will be relegated at season’s end, while the Challenger League champion will earn automatic promotion. The second and third-place finishers in the Challenger League will contest a playoff match, with the winner claiming the final promotion spot.

The league extends its thanks to all owners, coaches, players, and supporters for making 2025 a memorable season. As we look toward 2026, we encourage everyone to spread the word — new players, coaches, owners, and fans are always welcome as the Select League continues to grow.