The Falcons went into the game to compete against a Cardinal program that has always been a rival since we entered the SCCAL. The Falcons started the game with a formation to put pressure on the Cardinals midfielders. The Falcons managed a ball control game where the ball was played in the middle of the field. The Falcons managed several runs diagonally and up the sidelines to attack the Cardinals defense. Senior Sonja Gustafsson was able to put two shots on frame while junior captain Madison Black put one shot on the Cardinals goal. Senior captain Jordin Carlson placed a free kick shot on the Cardinals goal and nearly missed a header goal from a corner kick. The Cardinals goalkeeper, Helena Epps was aggressive and decisive saving all four shots with little problem. On Jordin's header of the corner kick, Epps was able to punch the ball from danger as Jordin made contact with the ball in the air. The Falcons junior captain, goalkeeper Emily Johnson saved two relatively easy shots from the Cardinals. Emily Johnson was also very aggressive while pouncing on several through balls and loose balls in the 18 yard box. The first half was fairly even with both defenses doing a great job stopping the other teams attacks and clearing the ball out of danger. The first half ended, Falcons 0 to the Cardinals 0.

The game was on the line and the Falcons made some minor adjustments at halftime. The Falcons wanted to increase their energy while keeping patient and managing the ball for an attack. The Cardinals were physical, fast and sported a good tight defense. The second half was played back and forth by both teams trying to control the ball. The Falcon offense strung together several good passes to build an attack down the sidelines several times. Numerous times the Falcons had throw ins from the sidelines towards the Cardinals goal but each time a defender was able to clear the ball out of danger. The Falcons were awarded three second half corner kicks that were well placed by senior Taylor Rohde. Each time the wind was taken out the Falcons by the ball being cleared. The Cardinals goalkeeper Helena Epps made a few gutsy moves to clear the ball or grab the loose ball in her 18 yard box. Three shots were put on the Cardinal goal by the Falcons junior Kacey Lilly, junior captain Madison Black and senior Sonja Gustafsson but were saved by Helena Epps. The second half had the Cardinals only putting 1 shot on goal which was saved by junior captain, goalkeeper Emily Johnson. At least two fouls at close range to the Falcons goal were called in the later minutes of the game. The Falcons set up a wall from approximately 20 yards away and the shot by the Cardinals was easily blocked and cleared with no shot on goal. The game ended with the score being, Falcons 0 to the Cardinals 0.

The Falcon goalkeeping was played by junior captain Emily Johnson. The intense and physical game was on the line and Emily was up to the task. Emily made several quick, decisive and aggressive moves to jump on loose balls and stop a Cardinal threat from ever occurring. Emily was strong with her free kicks and punts. Emily showed quick feet, good hands and offered very little to the Cardinals attacks. Emily had a good game directing her defense and clearing the ball when needed.

The Falcon defense played another hard-nosed tough game. The defense made countless steals and good tackles. The Falcon defense was tight and physical with their coverage. They used their speed, skills and athletic abilities to build an attack with our midfielders and forwards. Senior captain Jordin Carlson (sweeper) had another fine game orchestrating the defense. Jordin used her speed, skill and strength to stop many Cardinal attacks dead in their tracks. Jordin was good on the ground and in the air. Jordin cleared the ball countless times, immediately initiating Falcon counterattacks. Stopper, senior captain Kalynn Morano had a good game stepping up on the Cardinal midfielders and made several steals, settling the ball and accurately passing to her teammates. Junior Kacey Lilly, sophomore Megan Keating and junior Rachel DuBridge had an excellent game keeping one on one with the speedy Cardinals and not allowing them clear runs to our goal.

The Falcon midfielders had a super game managing the middle of the field. The Falcons played with heart and guts both defensively and offensively. The midfielders made several beautiful and accurate passes during the game. The inside midfielders were led by junior captain Madison Black who gave her everything in effort and energy. Madison settled many balls, chest trapped numerous passes, won several headers and made many steals during the game. Also playing the inside midfielders positions were sophomore Lena Gustafsson, junior Rachel DuBridge and senior Shanan McFall who all played very well. The outside midfielders were senior Ranae Maloney, senior Jessica Romeo and junior Rachel DuBridge. The outside midfielders used their stamina, energy and effort to run on the Cardinals all game.

The Falcon forwards were led by senior captain Emily Payne, senior Taylor Rohde, senior Sonja Gustafsson and sophomore Darby McFall. The Falcon forwards made countless runs on the defense that stretched and challenged the Cardinals. The forwards played strong, physical and fast.

I would like to compliment the entire Cardinal team and coaching staff for their competitiveness and strong play. The Cardinals made us a better team by their challenging soccer play and will always be a force to recon with.

The Falcons season record now stands at 6 wins, 3 losses and 3 ties while our SCCAL conference record is now 3 wins, 0 losses and 1 tie. We will have a bye on Tuesday, January 17th, 2012. Our next game will be on Thursday, January 19th, 2012, 3:30 PM at Depot Field, Santa Cruz against the Harbor Pirates.