Free State High’s 1-0 boys soccer victory over Olathe North on Tuesday night was huge for a few reasons.

Not only was the game big because it was Senior Night at FSHS field, but it also guaranteed the Firebirds the third seed in their Class 6A regional.

“That is going to put us in a situation to host a first-round game, which we’re actually going to play at KU next Tuesday, not on our field, so we’re really excited about that,” FSHS coach Jason Pendleton said.

That means the group of eight seniors, which Pendleton has coached since club soccer in seventh grade, stepped off the Free State soccer field for the last time.

“They’re good players, but they’re phenomenal human beings,” the Firebirds’ coach said. “So, I’m excited for them, because, as I told them after the game, which maybe they don’t appreciate it now, but someday someone is going to tell them that they don’t get to play this game any more.

“And that hurts when that comes. So, to win on Senior Night, the last time they’ll ever play on this field in a game, is big.”

That was made possible, in part, by a pair of sophomores.

Eric Slan was the recipient of an Alex Clayton pass to score the lone goal in the 69th minute and clinch the team’s 10th victory of the season.

“Our game plan was to get the ball wide and then to draw them out of their shape and then find something,” Pendleton said. “And when we did it, we scored.”

Senior goalkeeper Brian Hatesohl and the Firebird defenders took care of the Free State defense, allowing a few close calls but never breaking.

“We have a stellar defense. Our defense has played very well all year,” Hatesohl said. “I think they’re probably the most undercredited people out on the field. I really feel confident – I think without them back there I’d feel a lot more insecure.”

One of those people playing in front of Hatesohl, senior defender Aaron Ideus, said despite not allowing a goal, the defense still looked out of sorts.

“We clearly didn’t have the defensive rhythm that we normally have. The outside backs – it just wasn’t their day,” Ideus said.

“They just kind of had a bad day, which you get one of those every once in awhile. Hopefully, we can avoid them from here on out.”

The lack of defensive rhythm was in part due to a very physical Eagles team, a trait for which Pendleton said they were known.

“It was a pretty ugly game in general. Our field’s in pretty bad shape, the ball’s bouncing all over the place, and I think we really struggled with keeping the ball at times,” Pendleton said. “But, they’re a good team, and I think when you’re under pressure from a good team that sometimes play turns a little ugly.”

The Firebirds will travel Thursday to Shawnee Mission Northwest to finish their regular season.