Keep in mind, Aaron Williams’ second-half goal was a pretty cool thing for him. He just doesn’t score that much.

Don’t make fun of him. The Free State High boys soccer senior has a good excuse for his offensive totals to be between minuscule and nonexistent most of the time.

He’s the team’s goalkeeper.

Williams used his powerful foot to score on a free kick from midfield in the Firebirds’ 2-0 victory over Leavenworth on Tuesday at Free State. It wasn’t an intentional shot, but Williams got enough air under it that it floated over the head of Leavenworth’s goalkeeper and into the net for Free State’s second score in the 42nd minute.

He nearly had an assist on a similar situation late in the game when freshman Andrew Heck stabbed at Williams’ kick with his head but couldn’t quite finish it.

“I’d rather have that one,” Williams said of the latter kick that was almost a beautiful goal by Heck. “That’s what I’m supposed to do on those.”

Regardless, Williams ended up giving the Firebirds an offensive boost and once again played delightfully guarding the net. The Pioneers couldn’t score, and they’re not the only team Free State has faced with similar problems.

“He’s just played outstanding,” FSHS coach Jason Pendleton said. “The saves he’s made throughout the season have been great.”

Free State (5-0 overall, 4-0 Sunflower League) should give plenty of credit to Williams for its undefeated start, especially Tuesday. Though the victory always is sweet, Free State’s performance left something to be desired.

Free State's Aaron Ideus, left, fights for control against Leavenworth's Adam Renfro. The Firebirds defeated the Pioneers, 2-0, Tuesday at FSHS.

Besides Williams’ play, the Firebirds had a nice first-half goal in the 10th minute when Dustin Nye spun and delivered a pass up top to Heck, who finished with a well-placed shot in the corner of the net.

But for most of the game, Pendleton frequently pleaded with his players to step up their intensity and make better decisions both with and without the ball. Part of the problem was the lack of team captain Sam Buhler, who left early in the game because of a knee injury. Though it wasn’t thought to be serious, his absence in the defense left the Firebirds with one less leader Tuesday.

“We lacked the edge that we needed to be competitive,” Pendleton said. “We just weren’t very crisp from the onset.”

6Sports video: Free State improves to 5-0

Free State turns around almost immediately, playing three of its next four on the road, starting Thursday at Shawnee Mission East. After the Lancers, the Firebirds play three straight non-league games against Junction City, Topeka and Shawnee Heights.

“We need to see where we stack up,” Pendleton said. “It’s important that we step up and play better.”

Free State's Tony Gatti (19) and Leavenworth's Mitch Lozenski contest a ball in the Firebirds' 2-0 victory. Free State won the game Tuesday at FSHS.