The first half of the game started with the Falcons trying to manage an attack and put pressure on the Wildcatz defense. The lady Falcons controlled the ball most of the half while getting off 4 shots on their opponents goal. The Falcons were unable to score because of a stingy and persistent Wildcatz defense. The Wildcatz were unable to put a shot on goal because of the Falcons defense and midfield play. The half ended with the score being, Falcons 0 to Wildcatz 0.

The second half started with the Falcons controlling the ball and immediately pressured the Wildcatz defense. In the 42 minute of the half the Falcons worked for a corner kick on the right side of the goal. Senior Taylor Rohde placed a perfect cross to the middle of the goal where the ball was settled and began bouncing around. Junior captain Madison Black settled the ball and punched the ball low below the diving Wildcatz goalkeeper and into the back of the net. The lady Falcons seemed to get inspired and developed a sense of urgency to keep up the pressure. The Falcons continued to challenge the Wildcatz with their passing on the ground and in the air. In the 59th minute of the game senior Jessica Romeo settled the ball in front of the Wildcatz goal approximately 15 yards out. Jessica passed the ball back to a charging Madison Black who sent a hard shot from approximately 30 yards away, up and over the leaping goalkeeper and into the top of the net for her second goal. The game continued with aggressive play while both teams tried to mount an attack. The Falcons were able to put 8 more shots on goal while the Wildcatz had 2 shots on goal during this half. The game ended with the score being, Falcons 2 to Wildcatz 0.

The Falcon goalkeeping was played by junior captain Emily Johnson. Emily Johnson was an awesome presence at the position, directing the defense while making several good decisions to take away scoring threats by the Wildcatz.

The Falcon defense had another solid and outstanding game. The defense was able to slow down the speedy Wildcatz forwards and took the wind out of several scoring attempts. The defense made several steals, settled the ball, delivered good passes and initiated counter attacks all game. The sweeper and stoppers were senior captain Jordin Carlson, senior captain Kalynn Morano and senior Shanan McFall. Jordin Carlson had an excellent game directing the defense, making solid tackles, good steals and winning the ball in the air. The fullbacks were junior Kacey Lilly, sophomore Megan Keating and junior Rachel DuBridge. All three fullbacks had a solid game covering their position with speed and toughness.

The Falcon midfielders had a fantastic game controlling the center of the field with speed, technical skills and perseverance. The midfielders played a solid game as part of their defensive and offensive efforts. The outside midfielders were senior Ranae Maloney, senior Jessica Romeo, junior Sarah Shaughnessy, senior Kathryn Balch and junior Kyla Miller. Ranae Maloney and Jessica Romeo had an excellent game getting back on defense, streaking down the sidelines on runs, controlling the middle of the field and being a constant threat to our opponents while they tried to manage their attack. The inside midfielders did an excellent job settling the ball and covering most of the field the entire game. The midfielders were led by junior captain Madison Black, sophomore Lena Gustafsson, junior Rachel DuBridge and senior Shanan McFall. Madison Black had a great game with her physical play, control of the ball, crisp passing, scoring two goals, while winning balls in the air and on the turf.

The Falcon forwards showed up to play while using their speed, diagonal runs and relentless effort to put pressure on the Wildcatz defense. The forwards were led by senior Sonja Gustafsson, senior Taylor Rohde, sophomore Darby McFall, senior Jessica Romeo and junior Jessica DuBridge. Seniors Sonja Gustafsson and Taylor Rohde had an excellent game making several impressive runs showcasing their desire to compete, toughness, speed and soccer skills to create a threatening attack all game.

I would like to commend our lady Falcons for not getting frustrated when play was not going our way or the way we planned. The entire team held together, worked out the problems, increased their effort and turned the game around. We showed some progress and success but we continue to grow individually and as a team. We thank the lady Wildcatz for their competitive spirit, challenging us and being a part of a good game. We wish the Wildcatz success in their upcoming games and season.

Our next preseason game will be on Thursday, December 15th, 2011, 6PM at Gilroy High School in Gilroy.