Lawrence High’s soccer match against Kansas City (Mo.) Pembroke Hill was a display of fantastic forwards and aggressive offensive attacks by both squads.

Pembroke Hill was more effective at finishing its scoring opportunities, however. Caitlin Collins, a Missouri all-state sophomore forward, scored two goals and assisted on two more as the Raiders escaped a soggy evening at the Youth Sports Inc. fields with a 4-2 victory Friday night.

“It’s very frustrating to come out with another loss,” LHS sophomore forward Megan Johnson said. “It’s disappointing to lose again because we all know we worked so hard.”

The Lions’ work ethic was never in question against Pembroke Hill. LHS battled for every ball and repeatedly made crafty runs at the opposing goal. The trouble was, the Lions weren’t able to finish their shots.

LHS fired seven shots in the first half — three of them on goal. Lawrence’s closest call of the half came in the 20th minute when Johnson lofted a shot from 15 yards out that struck the crossbar.

Pembroke Hill (6-6-1) took eight first-half shots on goal. Two found the net. Collins buried the first in the 13th minute when she dribbled to the left and fired a shot from 20 yards out that snuck just inside the near post. The Raiders pushed their lead to 2-0 less than four minutes before halftime when Laura Deines redirected a Collins pass just inside the far post.

“When you’re down by a few goals going into the second half, the very beginning is critical,” LHS co-coach Matt Makens said. “Either you’re going to step up or you’re going to sit back. The girls showed they were going to step up, and within 10 minutes we were tied. They showed tremendous confidence and resolve.”

Johnson pulled LHS within 2-1 in the 45th minute when she scored on a rebound of Abby Vestal’s missed shot. Vestal tied the game four minutes later when she struck a shot perfectly from 30 yards out that ducked just under the crossbar.

Collins put Pembroke Hill ahead for good 10 minutes later with her second goal. Minutes later, Johnson drilled the crossbar again for LHS before Carter Schwarberg gave the Raiders an insurance goal with 4:02 remaining.

“I think the girls made some huge strides tonight,” Makens said. “I’d like for them to get a few more wins, but as long as they improve every game we play, we can’t ask for more.”

The Lions (2-11) will play Tuesday at Shawnee Mission East.