In came down to PK’s. And Liberal prevailed. LHS goalkeeper Diego Flores stopped two penalty kicks as Liberal won the penalty kicks 4-2 and won the game 3-2 over the visiting Lawrence Free State Firebirds in the 1st round of the 6A playoffs Tuesday night at Redskin Field. Free State had a strong and cold north wind at their backs in the first half and scored a penalty kick. It was 1-0 Firebirds at the half. Isaac Erives banged home a goal with 13:52 remaining to tie the score at 1-1. Johnny Young gave the Redskins the 2-1 lead with a goal at the 7:28 mark. Liberal appeared to be sealing a victory in the closing seconds when a hand ball was called outside the box against Liberal. The official put four seconds on the clock and Free State scored on a direct kick to send the game to overtime. Free State incurred a red card at the end of regulation so they played with 10 in overtime. Neither team scored in the first or second overtime. It came down to penalty kicks. The first four Redskins all converted as D’Alessandro Chavira, Ariel Gaytan, Yadier Casas-Medina, and Johnny Young found the back of the net. LHS goal keeper Diego Flores not only had several eye popping saves in the first half, but he stopped two Free State PK’s win the shootout. Free State finishes 6-9-2 and Liberal is 13-4 and will play at Dodge City Thursday night at 6pm.
