| On January 30, 2010 the Scotts Valley Falcons played the Santa Cruz Cardinals at Depot Park in Santa Cruz. The weather had partly cloudy skies while the field conditions were good. The Cardinals entered the game with an overall season record of 5 wins, 2 losses and 3 ties. The Cardinals league record in the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League (SCCAL) was 2 wins, 0 losses and 1 tie. The powerhouse Cardinals entered the game with a 39 game win streak in the SCCAL. The Cardinal ladies are well coached, disciplined and skilled. The first half started with both teams trying to control the ball and mount an attack. The Falcons scored in the 39th minute when Brittany Kuo booted a free kick from 30 yards out into the goalie box where Emily Payne headed the ball into the back of the Cardinal net. The first half had the Cardinals with 3 shots on goal while the Falcons had 2 shots on goal. The half time ended with the score, Scotts Valley 1 to Santa Cruz 0. The second half had both teams coming out aggressive and trying to control the ball. Both teams battled hard to gain an edge but both defenses held. The second half had the Falcons with 3 shots on goal while the Cardinals had 3 shots on goal. The game ended with the score, Scotts Valley 1 to Santa Cruz 0. The lady Falcon defense once again played an awesome and gritty game. The defense closely marked their opponents and gave them little room to operate. The defense was led by senior captain Brittany Kuo, senior Kelsey Baskovich, sophomore Kalynn Morano and freshman Kacey Lilly. Freshman goalkeeper Emily Johnson had a great game with 6 saves and another shutout. Emily Johnson made several spectacular saves that ensured the win. This is the 9th shutout in a row and the 10th shutout in 13 games for the Falcon defense. The Falcon defense has only allowed 4 goals in 13 games this season. The midfielders for the Falcons played well and were often challenged by the Cardinal players. The Falcon midfielders worked hard while being led by senior captain Kailey Payne, sophomore captain Jordin Carlson, junior captain Aly Bothman, senior Amy McDowell, senior Michelle Hunter, freshman Madison Black and sophomore Ranae Maloney. The Falcon forwards put relentless pressure on the Cardinals defense while making runs that drew their attention. The Falcon forwards were led by sophomore Emily Payne, junior Keara McCullough and sophomore Taylor Rohde. The Falcon offense has now scored 36 goals in 13 games this season. The Falcon ladies earned a win in a hard fought game against the very talented and powerful Santa Cruz Cardinals. The Falcons now have a record of 10 wins, 2 losses and 1 tie for the season while having 6 wins and 0 losses in the SCCAL. |