photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Free State senior Evan Zelvy dribbles the ball in a 3-2 home win over DeSoto on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in Lawrence.

Free State boys soccer got its first win of the season by beating DeSoto 3-2 in the home opener.

“We saw some things we needed to correct (from Free State’s 3-1 season-opening loss to Olathe Northwest) and I think the boys did that tonight,” Free State coach Tyson Heck said. “They played well.”

It took about 20 minutes for the Free State offense to settle in, but the Firebirds finished the first half with a scoring explosion.

Junior forward Miguel Alarcon scored the first goal in the 33rd minute. An assist from senior forward Suret Qutlan brought the ball across the face of the goal and to the open foot of Alarcon.

“They’ve got the ability to control the game,” Heck said. “When they do that and don’t resort to long passing when they don’t need it, I think we’ll see a lot of magic happen.”

Heck said the Firebirds have a strong trio in the middle, offensively, and their bond from playing together is strong. As long as they can get the ball outside to the wings, Heck says the Firebirds could have a pretty powerful offense.

Senior defender Ryder Konek-Ermey scored five minutes later on a deep shot that hit the net just above the fingertips of DeSoto goalkeeper Eric Lange. The Firebirds scored their third goal 27 seconds later after Qutlan was tackled in front of the goal, which set up his penalty kick.

A defensive breakdown 13 seconds after the Qutlan goal kept the Firebirds from going into halftime with a 3-0 lead, as DeSoto scored on a rebound. Heck said the Wildcats went right after the Firebirds after the Free State goal, and that the defense wasn’t focused or tight. It was a simple error the Firebirds can avoid in the future.

Free State didn’t score in the second half, but it wasn’t for a lack of shots on goal. The Firebirds kept the pressure up and had more scoring opportunities than in the first half.

DeSoto scored its second goal of the game late in the half on a penalty kick. Aside from that, the Wildcats didn’t have many shots on goal.

It was a physical game between the Firebirds and Wildcats, and Heck said his team’s physicality led to some lapses in judgement that gave the Wildcats the late goal.

Still, it’s a good trait for the team to have, and Heck anticipates his team to play hard throughout the season.

“The boys do a really good job,” Heck said. “They’ll battle for (50-50 balls). Even on the first, second or third ball, they’ll fight. I like to see that… I always expect our guys to play physical and I don’t ever think they’ll stop.”

With the win, the Firebirds are in a good mood halfway through the first full week of the season. It’s been a bit unorthodox so far having already played twice with so few practices — and also having had to change the practice schedule because of the heat — but the Firebirds got their first win and are eager for what’s next.

“They’ve got the right spirit,their heads are on right, and I expect big things,” Heck said.

The Firebirds continue their season on Thursday in a road match against Shawnee Heights at 6:15 p.m.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Free State junior midfielder Beckett Weipert runs to defend in a 3-2 home win over DeSoto on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in Lawrence.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Free State senior midfielder Hady El-Araby passes the ball in a 3-2 home win over DeSoto on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in Lawrence.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Free State senior defenseman Ryder Konek-Ermey passes the ball in a 3-2 home win over DeSoto on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in Lawrence.