photo by: Conner Becker/Journal-World

Free State senior Kate Foust charges toward the ball during a match with Topeka High on Monday, April 8, 2024, at FSHS.

Relentless until the clock died, the Free State girls soccer team knocked off top-5 Topeka High 2-1 at home on Monday.

The Firebirds (2-4-0) rode two goals by juniors Neylana Haque and Taylor Woods to soar past the Trojans (4-3-0) and earn their second win of the season after defeating Shawnee Mission North at home last week.

A bevy of shots breathed life into FSHS’ offense right from the kickoff, as the Firebirds rattled off three close looks in the first 20 minutes of play.

Senior team captain Shelby Roberts said the team has gradually become the aggressor.

“50/50 balls are our strong suit,” Roberts said. “Our past couple of games, we’ve been attacking them and I think what’s what pushed us to hang on.”

Scoreless with under 10 minutes left in the first half — partially thanks to two saves by junior goalkeeper Merrit Hale — the Firebirds claimed a 1-0 lead when a corner kick sailed into the box and connected with Haque for the match’s first score.

From Haque’s view, the score simply fell into place.

“The goalie bounced it off her hands and then I just tapped it,” Haque said.

photo by: Conner Becker/Journal-World

Free State junior Neylana Haque celebrates after scoring a goal late in the first half during a match with Topeka High on Monday, April 8, 2024, at FSHS.

photo by: Conner Becker/Journal-World

Free State defeated Topeka High 2-1 during a home match on Monday, April 8, 2023, at FSHS.

photo by: Conner Becker/Journal-World

Free State senior Elaina Zung prepares for the next play during a match with Topeka High on Monday, April 8, 2024, at FSHS.

Not wasting any time, the Trojans struck back mere moments into the second half when sophomore Raelee Shipley rocketed a goal past Hale to even the score.

Woods, caught in a foot race with her defender, found the net over T-High senior goalkeeper Rhyian Smith claiming a 2-1 advantage for the Firebirds with under 30 minutes left in the second half.

Woods said an adrenaline-filled score presented itself when she took off with the ball.

“I felt really under pressure and I could feel her right behind me,” Woods said. “… I knew right where I was going to shoot it.”

Holding on for the win, the Firebirds now prepare for a quick turnaround to Shawnee Mission South (2-1-0) on Tuesday to open up a heavy Sunflower League schedule.

“It’ll be fast-paced,” FSHS coach Joe Waldron said. “They’re good and they’ve beaten some good teams, they’ve scored a lot of goals… Welcome back to Sunflower.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Box score

Free State 1 1 – 2

Topeka High 0 1 – 1

photo by: Conner Becker/Journal-World

Free State senior Elaina Zung battles for the ball during a match with Topeka High on Monday, April 8, 2024, at FSHS.

photo by: Conner Becker/Journal-World

Free State senior Kate Foust moves through traffic during a match with Topeka High on Monday, April 8, 2024, at FSHS.

photo by: Conner Becker/Journal-World

Free State junior Taylor Woods spots an open ball during a match with Topeka High on Monday, April 8, 2024, at FSHS.

photo by: Conner Becker/Journal-World

Free State junior Neylana Haque chases down the ball during a match with Topeka High on Monday, April 8, 2024, at FSHS.

photo by: Conner Becker/Journal-World

Free State junior Ainsley Linhos (9) battles with her defender during a match with Topeka High on Monday, April 8, 2024, at FSHS.