Topeka ? A late charge by the Free State High girls soccer team wasn’t enough, and the Firebirds fell, 3-1, to Washburn Rural in the first round of Class 6A regionals Tuesday at Rural.

After being down 2-0 for most of the second half, senior Rebekah Berkley notched her 11th goal of the season with about nine minutes left. With a chance to tie, the Firebirds pressured more offensively, and the lack of defensive emphasis allowed Rural to add a goal just before the end of the game.

“They were the better team, and they controlled the pace,” FSHS coach Jason Pendleton said. “We did have a sense of urgency late, and once we showed that, we had more opportunities.”

Free State ended its season with a 2-11-1 record. Washburn Rural improved to 11-4-2, and will play Thursday at Emporia.

Emporia shuts out LHS

Emporia — Emporia ended Lawrence High’s girls soccer season with a 2-0 victory in the first round of the Class 6A regionals Tuesday night.

Emporia scored two goals in the final 20 minutes.

“Everyone worked hard,” LHS co-coach Matt Makens said of the Lions, who finished 2-15. “They played awesome. It would be nice to win, but it was a good way to finish — by fighting.”

Free State High's Jesse Sears (16) fights off Washburn Rural's Laura Waters. The Firebirds lost, 3-1, Tuesday in Topeka, ending their season.

Lawrence High's Lesley Belt, left, tries to get the ball away from Emporia's Kelsey Van Sickle during their Class 6A regional game. Emporia won, 2-0, Tuesday at the TRYSA Soccer Complex in Emporia.