Leah Williams, right, battles for position against Shelby Gunter. Free State won, 2-0, on Monday at home.

Free State High’s Leah Williams dislikes watching her soccer team’s games from the sideline.

“It’s my least favorite thing ever,” she said.

So you can imagine the senior captain’s disappointment when she aggravated a left wrist injury and was forced out of action for the final 24 minutes of Monday’s 2-0 victory over Gardner-Edgerton at FSHS.

Not to worry, though. She did plenty in the first 56 minutes.

Williams controlled the pace of play and dished both assists, helping Free State snap a two-game losing streak.

“I’m sure, in Leah’s career, that’s probably the first time she’s ever been off the field that long,” Firebirds coach Jason Pendleton said. “Hopefully that situation will improve itself and she can get as healthy as possible so we can get her back on the field because we desperately need her.”

When Free State looked shaky early against the smaller Trailblazers, misreading passes and misfiring on goal, it was Williams who shifted the balance of power back in the Firebirds’ favor.

She maneuvered her way inside the penalty box in the 18th minute and flicked a beautiful pass to freshman Rachael Hodison, who chipped the ball over Gardner-Edgerton goalkeeper Brooke Weisenburger for a 1-0 lead. Then, three minutes into the second half, Williams placed a corner kick right on sophomore Hannah Carlson’s foot. Carlson had time to gather herself with no defenders around and bury the shot in the back of the net.

With the Trailblazers struggling offensively – they managed just one shot on goal – that was all Free State needed.

“I think we got more confident,” said Williams, who displayed a large bruise above her left wrist after unwrapping the protective tape she wore during the game. “We started taking more risks in the attack, so that was good.”

Perhaps more encouraging for Pendleton than Williams’ play was the way the Firebirds (4-6) pulled together once she exited the game. Free State maintained its offensive pressure, keyed by three goal-scoring chances from freshman midfielder Amanda Moyer. In total, the Firebirds tallied 15 shots on goal, with 11 coming in the second half.

“You could argue the intensity level picked up,” Pendleton said. “They seemed to step up and rise to the occasion, and that’s good. While Leah’s certainly an accomplished player, we feel like we are a team and collectively have responsibilities.”

Said Carlson: “It’s always amazing having Leah in the game, but we just worked with what we had and pulled through.”

Free State jumps back into Sunflower League play at 4 p.m. today with a home game against Shawnee Mission South.