photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Free State junior Kaiden Helm battles for the ball in a 3-2 loss to Shawnee Heights at Free State High School on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Lawrence.

Free State boys soccer (1-1-1) lost 3-2 in heartbreaking fashion to Shawnee Heights at home on Thursday when the Thunderbirds scored a goal with one second on the clock.

“That feeling (of losing) is not a different feeling ever,” Free State coach Tyson Heck said. “It’s good to get that feeling now this early in the season. There’s a lot of games left, a lot of time on the field.”

The Firebirds had a slow start to the game, with the Thunderbirds staying on the attack early and keeping the ball in Free State’s side of the field. After the first 10 minutes, the Firebirds started to pick up the pace and move the ball.

“In the games we’ve had this season, we’ve struggled to get going full speed right off the bat,” Heck said. “Usually around five to 10 minutes in they get up and find their possession.”

Free State’s possession and ball movement came from its midfield, with seniors Eli Stone and Neel Sabarwal. Once the team’s midfield started to possess the ball, the Firebirds found more success in pushing the ball methodically downfield.

“We’re a big possession team,” Heck said. “Their possession and passing — they can keep the ball away all game long.”

The Firebirds got on the board first with under 10 minutes left in the first half. Senior Conner Plantz weaved the ball down the field with passes back-and-forth to junior Kaiden Helm and took a shot. After a block, sophomore Miguel Alacon finished the rebound for the goal.

“It’s all about connecting that final third pass, and they all have important roles,” Heck said. “Playing through the midfield at any point in time is money.”

The final 10 minutes of the first half and the first 17 minutes of the second half were scoreless but the Firebirds battled in a physical matchup. While the Thunderbirds struggled with cramps during the game, the Firebirds relied on depth to keep everyone’s legs fresh. Using that depth is a conscious decision by the coaching staff this year.

“We don’t really have set starters,” Heck said. “We want to go for longevity. We care about the games, we care about the wins, but at the end of the season, we want to go to the end. We need fresh legs and a lot of health to get through the season.”

Shawnee Heights tied the game on a free kick that bounced above the heads of Free State’s defense.

The Firebirds retook the lead with less than 10 minutes left in the game. Stone, with the ball about 20 yards from the net on the right corner, shot the ball to the left goalpost, just out of reach of Shawnee Heights’ goalkeeper. The ball bounced in and gave the Firebirds the lead again.

The Thunderbirds took advantage of their scoring opportunities. Six minutes after Free State’s goal, they had the ball again and shot the ball to the top of the net, which bounced in to tie the game at 2-2.

Free State couldn’t convert on a few late opportunities in the final minutes, and Shawnee Heights managed a final shot that bounced into Free State’s net with a second on the clock.

The result was disappointing for the team, but the game featured positives for the team to build on as the season continues. The Firebirds will next take Olathe North on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. on the road.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Free State senior midfielder Neel Sabarwal passes to a teammate in a 3-2 loss to Shawnee Heights at Free State High School on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Lawrence.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Free State senior forward Trenton Cozadd keeps his eye on the ball in the air in a 3-2 loss to Shawnee Heights at Free State High School on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Lawrence.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Free State junior midfielder Samuel Lickert dribbles the ball in a 3-2 loss to Shawnee Heights at Free State High School on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Lawrence.