FSHS soccer nets record victory

? The Free State High soccer team added another victory to its memorable season Wednesday night, defeating Shawnee Mission East, 1-0, at SME.

The win gave the Firebirds 12 wins in the regular season for the first time in school history. Free State twice has won 13 games in a season — taking postseason results into account — but Wednesday’s victory pushed the Firebirds past their previous record for regular-season wins.

“It’s significant,” Free State coach Jason Pendleton said. “This is our 13th year of existence, and there are a lot of people who have come through here before these boys. For us to win 12 games in a league that has two of the top three teams in the state is a really good effort for our boys, who are a bunch of good, hard-working young men.”

Wednesday’s game originally was scheduled for Tuesday but was pushed back a day because of inclement weather.

The delay did nothing to derail the Firebirds’ roll. Free State recorded its ninth shutout victory of the season and received all the offense it needed three minutes into the game, when Jesse Clayton scored off an assist from Diego Gonzalez.

Goalkeepers Jackson McClure and Elliott Johnson shared credit for the shutout.

Pendleton also praised Sam Passig, Tony Libeer, Alan Hornbaker, Kendal Gooden and Will Libeer for strong play throughout the game.

The Firebirds (12-4) will be the No. 2 seed at next week’s Class 6A regional tournament. Free State will open postseason play at 6 p.m. Monday at home against a yet-to-be-determined opponent.