photo by: John Young

Free State High's Branden Patterson (10) races past Lansing's Dylan Hawley (20) as he brings the ball down the field during their match Thursday evening at FSHS.

About 15 minutes after the Free State High boys soccer team’s 2-0 win over Lansing on Thursday, coach Kelly Barah called for the players, parents, and remaining students to form a circle on the field.

Barah declared that the Firebirds’ 2016 season is dedicated to Dale Shillington, a former player and captain, along with Evan Ice, a well-known Free State soccer parent. Both died in the past two months.

“A win is always a great feeling,” Barah said. “But more importantly, we’re proud of the kids. They really came out with tough circumstances and were able to execute and stay focused.”

Free State (1-0) dominated possession and almost the entire match was played on Lansing’s side of the field. But for the first 20 minutes, the Firebirds had a handful of shots and three corner kicks that they weren’t able to turn into goals.

Barah said that was partially due to the wet conditions on a rainy day and partially due to jitters to start the season.

“The ball skidded away from us today more than we’re used to,” Barah said. “We just could not find that last curve on that ball to get it into the back of the net.”

However, in the 25th minute, the Firebirds’ relentless attack led by senior midfielder Branden Patterson and senior forward Heitor Nazareth finally paid off.

Just minutes after one of his shots hit off the crossbar, Patterson forced the issue in the Lions’ box. The Lions were called for a penalty and junior defender Charlie Newsome made them pay by burying the penalty kick, giving the Firebirds a 1-0 lead.

“Once you’re creating chances, you can’t ask for more than that,” Barah said. “It’s when you’re not finding those chances to be able to score that you get a bit worried.”

Like the first half, the second half was played almost exclusively on the Lions’ side of the field. Barah attributed that to his defenders making crisp passes to put the offense in good position, which prevented the Firebirds from needing to make many plays on defense.

However, the Firebirds still struggled to finish their opportunities with goals. After a few close misses, Patterson was finally able to get one to go to give the Firebirds a commanding 2-0 lead.

Most importantly, the Firebirds proved they could play multiple styles. At times, the match was physical with players bouncing off each other going for the ball. Other times, the Firebirds used precise passing to put themselves in position to score.

“I think the team is ready for any kind of game,” Barah said. “Given the circumstances, when it demanded for us to be a little more physical we were. When it demanded for us to be more technical we did that, too. I’m really happy we can play any style right now.”

Free State’s next match will be on Monday when it travels to De Soto.