By KLINT SPILLER

kspiller@dailynews.net

The Thomas More Prep-Marian boys' soccer team started strong against Liberal, but couldn't keep it up.

After taking a 1-0 lead, the Monarchs ended up losing 7-2 to Liberal, the Class 5A perennial powerhouse and defending state champion, on Thursday at the Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex. The game was moved there since a junior high football game was played at TMP Field.

TMP dropped to 3-5.

The Monarchs only trailed 3-1 after the first half, but Liberal outscored them 4-1 in the second half.

"It's just little things that add up to seven goals even though it didn't seem like we played that bad," TMP-Marian head coach Shawn Lawson said.

Lawson said at times, his team lost its composure, got out of position and carried the ball too much at midfield.

"It just seems to snowball and wears," Lawson said.

TMP senior midfielder Rodney Gracas de Deus put his team on top in the fourth minute. He scored on a pass from senior defender Carlos Duenes.

Liberal responded with two goals from Samuel Cruz in the 12th and 25th minutes. Cruz ended up with four goals in the match.

In the second half, Liberal added three more goals to put the Redskins up 5-1.

TMP sophomore forward Tyler Rueschhoff added a goal in the 67th minute on a pass from sophomore Lane Fisher.

Liberal's Jonny Vergara and Esteban Michel scored two more goals in the 70th and 74th minutes, respectively, to cap the scoring.

Junior goalkeeper Collan Lawson finished with five saves.

Lawson said his team is going to see teams of similar quality to Liberal for the rest of the season.

"Hopefully, it prepares us for the playoffs," Lawson said. "Our easiest game is St. John's, but after that, besides Hays High, I think everybody's got a winning record so far."