Free State High girls soccer coach Jason Pendleton has a unique philosophy about victories and defeats.

“Every win is not a wedding, and every loss is not a funeral,” Pendleton said. “It’s all relative to how you played.”

With that serving as a bit of background, Pendleton’s thoughts about today’s 4 p.m. city clash at FSHS against Lawrence High might come as a surprise.

“A win would be really big,” he said. “I know the task at hand is very difficult. LHS probably has the most talented collection of girls soccer players the city has had. We’re just hoping to play hard and have a few things break our way.”

The young Firebirds (0-2) enter the contest searching for their first victory.

The Lions, meanwhile, enter the game unbeaten and on the heels of a second straight McPherson Invitational championship. LHS defeated host school McPherson High, 3-1, Saturday night in the championship game.

The Lions (3-0) have outscored their opponents, 7-1, this season. Six different LHS players have netted goals, with only Becky Davis scoring more than once. Davis leads the team with two goals. Kathleen Hermesch, Madison Bertrand, Kaley Tesdahl, Megan Andrews and Olivia Dykes also have scored one apiece.