Lawrence High’s girls soccer team shouldn’t be disheartened after its season-opening 1-0 loss Thursday night to Shawnee Mission West.

Despite numerous scoring opportunities, the Lions (0-1) couldn’t shake off the offseason rust against the Vikings (2-1), who had already played two games.

“We did a lot of things attacking-wise really well, but we played like it was our first game,” LHS coach Keith Nelson said. “Our touch was a little off and our reaction wasn’t there. I think if we had two games under our belt the game would have been different.”

Shawnee Mission West scored 10 minutes into the first half — or so the Vikings thought. A goal by freshman Kyla Hoskins was waved off because a player was offsides.

Later in the half, both squads threatened to score with charges toward the net. LHS seniors Aly Barland and Monica Ruiz anchored the Lions’ attack, but neither team could find the net in the first half.

SM West freshman Casey Norburg finally broke the scoreless tie in the 51st minute with a point-blank kick past Lawrence keeper Shannon Fisher.

“It was just one of those instances when a girl snuck by and was at the right place and at the right time,” Nelson said.

The goal came as a result of relentless SM West pressure as the Vikings had three players battling in the crease when the ball went in.

Lawrence High's Megan Johnson, right, blocks a pass to a Shawnee Mission West player. The Lions lost their season opener, 1-0, Thursday night at the Youth Sports Inc. fields.

“She had a very good game,” SM West coach Jason Paepke said of Norburg. “She’s starting see to see the game a little quicker.”

Norburg is one of six freshmen and six sophomores on a young Viking club.

“We got kids that are just getting used to playing,” Paepke said. “That experience will come in time.”

The Vikings later had a chance to add to their lead, but a penalty kick by junior Allison Dodd hit the crossbar and went out of play. Dodd rocketed several shots towards the Lions’ net in both halves, but never scored.

The Lions travel tonight to Shawnee Mission South.