Free State’s Julia Larkin winds up for a kick against Lansing on Friday night at FSHS.

The Free State girls soccer team had more than one reason to be excited about the goal by senior Sabrea Platz in the sixth minute. Not only was it the lone goal in a 1-0 home win over Lansing on Friday night, it guaranteed an easier week of practice for FSHS.

“That’s one of our really important goals this year, trying to get on that scoreboard super early,” coach Kelly Barah said. “The girls are thrilled because I don’t think they’ll be doing a lot of running next week because they scored that early goal.”

Barah has a point system for his team that’s centered on whether the Firebirds score or give up an early goal. Outside of the rewards and consequences within the system, it also helps set the tone for how the Firebirds like to play.

“It’s just crucial to the way we play,” Platz said. “It allowed us to get in a rhythm for the rest of the game. I’m excited to see what (Barah) comes up with.”

Junior Julia Larkin, who Platz said made a great run to get open on the sideline, set up the goal. After her run, she found Platz in the box with a cross for a routine goal that snapped a three-game losing streak, and was their first goal in as many games.

The Firebirds (2-3) had a handful of opportunities to score throughout the game on through balls set up by sophomore Brittany Hoffman and junior Maya Hodison, as well as corner kicks and free kicks. But Lansing goalie Brynne Qualley was there to pick up seemingly every pass a moment before a Free State player was able to get her foot on it.

“For us right now it’s timing,” Platz said. “I guess we’re on the same page, just on different paragraphs. We’re there; we just have to connect those pieces. We were playing pretty soccer, but that last piece just wasn’t there.”

As a result, the Firebirds had to rely on their defense to hold off the Lions, which Barah said started with their ability to possess the ball. Lansing rarely had the ball on Free State’s side of the field, and even when it did Barah was pleased his team didn’t allow many shots on goal.

“Even with our losing streak, we’ve really, really improved with the defensive end and learning a brand new system of play,” Barah said. “So we’re excited about our journey forward.”

Lansing had a chance off a turnover in the 75th minute that led to sophomore Sydni Bolewski streaking up the field with the ball and Free State’s defense in scramble mode. But freshman Sidney Yother was able to chase her down and force her to the middle of the field. The Firebirds were able to retake possession and seal the game.

Free State will play host to Olathe North at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.