The last time Free State met Lawrence High on the soccer field, Tony Gatti’s second-half goal was the only offense the Firebirds could muster.

It was enough in a 1-0 victory.

“We were fortunate,” Free State coach Jason Pendleton said. “They probably outplayed us the first time out.”

The city rivals meet again at 3:30 p.m. today at Free State in the Class 6A regionals.

“I’m sure they’re excited to have another shot at their crosstown rival,” LHS coach David Platt said of the Lions.

The second-seeded Firebirds (10-5-1) have a better record, better seed and home-field advantage against seventh-seeded LHS (2-14).

Free State, however, has taken its lumps lately. After starting 9-1-1, Free State lost four of its final five regular-season games while facing the heart of its schedule.

“Maybe it’s knocked their confidence a little,” Platt said. “But knowing Jason like I do, I’m sure he’ll have them ready to play.”

Senior Dustin Nye leads FSHS with nine goals and two assists. Junior Aaron Ideus is Free State’s second-leading scorer with six goals.

Goalkeeper Aaron Williams, however, is the Firebird the Lions will have to beat to keep their season going. The senior has allowed only 15 goals in 15 games and has seven shutouts, including the first meeting with LHS.

“They have such an outstanding goalkeeper. Even when we had chances, we couldn’t score,” Platt said. “He’s a special player. He’s the real deal.”

Williams is being recruited by Baker and MidAmerica Nazarene, and Pendleton said the senior has “clearly been the best goalkeeper in the Sunflower League.”

“I’d be shocked if he’s not first-team all-league,” Pendleton said.

The Lions lost one of their best players three games into the season after all-state midfielder Jake Brewer suffered a season-ending knee injury.

“He’s one of those confident team leaders,” Platt said. “He’s hard to replace. We’ve been competitive in games, but we haven’t put it all together in one game.”

The winner of today’s game will face the winner of the Topeka High-Junction City game at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Free State.