If Free State’s second goal would have counted Monday, things might have been different.

Because as it stands, the Firebirds’ 4-2 loss against Leavenworth Monday at FSHS might be the least of Free State’s problems.

“I simply didn’t do my job today,” said Free State coach Jason Pendleton, whose 5-7 team has suffered three straight setbacks after putting an end to a four-game losing skid a week ago with two wins.

“Somehow I got to find a way to motivate these girls and make them feel that soccer is important once again. Because today we had no energy or emotional intensity.”

Not so for Monday’s first five minutes, because junior forward Rebekah Berkley rocketed a shot from more than 40 yards out that gave Free State a 1-0 advantage.

But then the young Leavenworth (4-7-1) team took over when Katie Brennan scored twice on two assists from Megan Meinke during a two-minute period.

Meinke then provided the momentum-killing goal early in the second half after a Firebirds’ score was disallowed.

“Pretty disappointing,” said Free State freshman Emily Erb, whose rebound goal was taken away because of an offside call. “I thought we had tied it up and gotten back in the game.”

Free State High's Emilie Humbarger clears the ball in front of a Leavenworth player. The Firebirds lost, 4-2, Monday at Free State.

Ten minutes later, Leavenworth delivered another blast, taking a 4-1 lead.

Free State had opportunities. Berkley, seniors Celese Siebert and Jessica Heck all had shots near the goal, but all three managed to sling it directly into Leavenworth goalie Maggie Finney’s stomach.

“It simply comes down to, they did a better job of getting the ball in the net and we did a good job of kicking it right at the goalie,” Pendleton said.

Even when Free State finally scored, it was too late.

Meredith Mayo’s goal off a touch pass from Wallis Romzek with 3:48 left wasn’t enough.

“It’s really frustrating to know the way we’ve lost these last games,” Erb said.

Free State's Meredith Mayo advances the ball. The Firebirds lost to Leavenworth, 4-2, Monday at Free State.