Olathe ? The Free State High boys soccer team got a first-hand look Thursday at the learning curve it must follow to become one of the top teams in the state.

Top-ranked Olathe East withstood an early challenge, scored twice midway through the first half and salted the game away with another tally after the break to secure a 3-0 victory against the Firebirds.

“They’re the No. 1 team in the state in 6A, and playing on their home field on Senior Night. They were excited,” Free State coach Jason Pendleton said.

“I think, from an individual perspective, they’re simply a better team than we are.”

Free State (9-4-1) had a chance to seize momentum just minutes into the match but couldn’t convert on a penalty kick.

Instead, Olathe East broke the ice 20 minutes into the contest, added another goal 10 minutes later, and finished off the scoring at the 20-minute mark of the second half.

“Two of the three were off mistakes that we made. One of them was on a play they made,” Pendleton said.

“I think it certainly was a competitive game, (but) we were exposed in some certain areas.”

The Firebirds will celebrate their Senior Day at 4 p.m. Tuesday against Olathe North.