Free State's Dale Shillington (7) tries to keep the ball away from Olathe East defenders. The Firebirds fell, 3-1, Thursday at FSHS.

If coach Jason Pendleton holds a spelling session for his soccer team next practice, he likely will focus on disposing of one prefix in particular: O-U-T.

As in outplayed, outcoached and outhustled.

“Any time those trios are all for one side, they tend to get a better result,” Pendleton said after his Free State High squad’s uninspiring 3-1 loss against Olathe East on Thursday afternoon.

Among the most noticeable issues for the Firebirds were repeated defensive miscues, the first of which put them in a 1-0 hole in the 32nd minute.

A lack of communication – and the failed clearance that followed – of a Hawks pass resulted in a goal for senior Laeth Hamil, who chipped a shot over Free State goalkeeper Ethan Morton-Gaught.

It turned out to be a precursor of things to come.

In the 46th minute, yet another poor attempt at clearing the ball came back to bite the Firebirds. Olathe East senior Ryan O’Keefe steamrolled into the penalty box and collected a misplayed ball to beat Morton-Gaught near post for a 2-0 lead.

“We’ve been having that problem all year,” FSHS senior midfielder Dale Shillington said. “Our defense won’t communicate, and they’re the ones facing the field, so they should be communicating. It’s just frustrating because we’re just running in circles trying to figure out who to mark up.”

While the Hawks (10-2-1 overall, 6-2-1 in Sunflower League) thrived, the Firebirds struggled to convert their few offensive opportunities.

In the first half, only sophomore Diego Gonzalez and junior Daniel Chance created shots on goal for Free State, but neither seriously threatened Olathe East goalkeeper Andrew Miller.

Then, the Hawks scored perhaps the most backbreaking goal as the Firebirds tried to keep pace in the 52nd minute.

East senior Jeremy Wassmer’s cross into the goalie area passed several Firebird defenders, only to find the waiting foot of Eagles junior Justin Hershey for goal No. 3.

“The third goal was the one most bothersome to myself because it was just a lack of communication and a lack of awareness,” Pendleton said.

Added Shillington: “The third goal, I think people just started giving up. That’s frustrating when some of the guys are putting their bodies on the line, and everybody is giving up.”

Free State (5-4-4, 3-3-2 in league) next takes on Lawrence High in a World Company Cup game at FSHS on Monday. Game time is 4 p.m.