The Cardinal ladies entered the game with a season record of 4 wins, 8 losses and 3 ties. Their league record in the SCCAL was 3 wins, 2 losses and 2 ties. The Cardinals are well coached, athletic and are competitive with anyone in the CCS. The rivalry over the years between the Cardinals and Falcons has always been intense and competitive. Our last game against the Cardinals was on January 11th where the lady Falcons won 1 to 0.

The game started with aggressive play and hard-nosed competitive soccer. The Cardinals played well and tried to control the ball with accurate precise passes and runs. The Falcons defense was tested regularly but were up to the task of shutting down the Cardinals. Most of the half was played pretty much in the center of the field. The first half did have the Cardinals with the advantage but they were only able to put 1 shot on goal while the Falcons managed 1 shot of their own on goal. The half ended being, Falcons 0 to Cardinals 0.

The second half was played the same way with most of the play being the midfielders trying to control the attacks, challenging the opposition and going for balls in the air. The first 20 minutes of the half had both teams equally putting some pressure on the other. The last 20 minutes of the second half showed a spark where the Falcon ladies picked up the tempo of their game. The Falcons strung together several passes and built an attack on the Cardinals goalkeeper and defense. The Falcons began settling down and winning the ball on a regular basis while putting 4 good shots on goal. The Cardinals managed 1 shot on goal the second half. The Cardinals did hold it together though and fought to the end with the final score being, Falcons 0 to Cardinals 0.

The Falcon goalkeeper, sophomore Emily Johnson saved 2 shots on goal and recorded another shutout on the season. Emily did a good job working with her defense to take away the Cardinals attempts at a shot on our goal.

The Falcon defense once again played a very solid and inspired game. The defense was poised and played with the heart of a Falcon. The defense was led by senior captain Aly Bothman, junior captain Kalynn Morano, sophomore Kacey Lilly, sophomore Rachel DuBridge and freshman Megan Keating. The Falcon defense was the anchor of this game that made consistent good plays with their speed and skills. Once again, Aly Bothman led the Falcon defenders to another shut down of the opposition.

The Falcon midfielders played a hard fought, intense and fast game. The Falcon midfielders were led by sophomore Madison Black, freshman Lena Gustafsson, junior Ranae Maloney, junior Kathryn Balch, junior Jaemi Mansfield and junior Jessica Romeo. Madison Black and Ranae Maloney had a great game playing physical, flying around the field, winning balls in the air, challenging the opposition, precise passing and had a well rounded performance.

The Falcon forwards played well while making several runs that put pressure on the Cardinal defense. The Falcon forwards were led by senior captain Keara McCullough, junior Taylor Rohde, junior captain Emily Payne and junior captain Jordin Carlson. All four forwards worked hard through emotional and physical highs and lows. The Falcon forwards amped up the intensity in the final 20 minutes to give the Cardinal defense all they could handle.

The Falcons continue to sit on top of the SCCAL with a record of 7 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie. The Falcons have earned a season record of 10 wins, 4 losses and 2 ties. The Falcons continue to progress with their experience, chemistry, skills and overall game. Our next game will be against the powerful Aptos Mariners on Tuesday, February 8th, 7:15 PM at Aptos stadium