In a hard-fought league battle, Manhattan High girls’ soccer fell 3-1 at home to rival Washburn Rural on Wednesday night.

“They came out and battled,” head coach Mike Sanchez said. “I think that’s kind of what we do. We’re going to go out there and work hard. I’m proud of them. They play hard, so I can’t get frustrated. They’re working hard and getting after it.”

The Indians (2-2-1) entered the match riding the momentum of a 1-0 road win over Olathe North in their last outing.

“Battle-tested,” Sanchez said of the team’s early identity. “We play good teams, and that’s what we want.”

Washburn Rural (4-3), the reigning 6A state champions, came in off an 8-0 win over Junction City. Despite already surpassing last season’s loss total as they went 19-2 en route to the state title, the Junior Blues proved to be the tough league test the Centennial League is accustomed to.

The first half was a battle between the two sides, and Manhattan nearly struck first midway through before an outstretched save by Rural’s keeper kept the match scoreless.

“We had some chances in the first half that we definitely have to put away,” Sanchez said. “There are always going to be those little opportunities that we have to finish.”

By halftime, the shot count favored Rural 8-7 while each team recorded three saves.

Chances were limited early in the second half as the physical battle continued, but Rural broke through at the 27:45 mark to take a 1-0 lead. Manhattan continued to push, but Rural added another with 10 minutes remaining, then converted a free kick a minute later to extend the lead.

“We just had a little lapse for three minutes there,” Sanchez said. “Gave up two at that time, so that’s tough. But they definitely responded. They didn’t put their heads down.”

Manhattan broke up the shutout with a goal from sophomore Savanna Heitmann at 5:42, assisted by junior Adalynn Sawyer.

“They fought the whole time,” Sanchez said. “Even when we went down 3-0, they came back and found a way to get one.”

Up next, Manhattan returns home Saturday to host Hays at 3:30 p.m.