Overland Park -- Park Hill (Mo.) South scored in the 69th minute to wrap up a 4-1 victory over Free State High on Tuesday in the Blue Valley North boys soccer tournament.
"In terms of effort and tactically, we played good soccer," FSHS coach Jason Pendleton said. "We competed well with a team that's probably going to be the Missouri state champion. That's a good sign."
The Firebirds (0-2) trailed Park Hill South -- runner-up in last season's Missouri state tournament -- 2-0, when FSHS senior Colin Baumchen scored on a direct free kick halfway through the second half.
"The second half was the best soccer I've ever seen my kids play," Pendleton said. "Not just in terms of effort, but tactically. They were really moving the ball and frustrating the other team."
Park Hill South took a 3-1 lead in the 69th minute, and scored a controversial -- Free State thought the play was offsides -- goal with 10 seconds remaining.
The Firebirds will face the loser of the Topeka High-North Kansas City game at 5:30 p.m. today at Blue Valley District Stadium. The first soccer win in Free State history came against North Kansas City in this tournament two years ago.
"If we can play with Park Hill South, we're heading in the right direction," Pendleton said. "It was a real positive experience, as positive as a 4-1 loss can be."
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