Topeka Washburn Rural jumped to a three-goal halftime lead and went on to hand Free State its second high school soccer loss in two days, 4-0 on Friday at FSHS.

“We were not ready to play mentally,” Free State coach Jason Pendleton said. “We weren’t focused on the task at hand. Washburn Rural is a good team and they made us pay for it.”

Free State's Morgan Matthews clears the ball from midfield. The Firebirds suffered a 4-0 setback to Topeka Washburn Rural on Friday at FSHS.

It was the Firebirds’ third game in four days.

“Physically, no, but mentally, yes, it’s hard,” Pendleton said. “It’s difficult for my kids to prepare themselves and have that competitive edge needed to compete.”

FSHS (2-6-1) will travel to Junction City on Monday.