The Falcons went into this game with high expectations. We've recorded a 2011-12 season record of 9 wins, 3 losses and 3 ties. We've had a SCCAL leading 7 wins, 0 losses and 1 tie while scoring 28 goals and allowing only 7 goals. The lady Falcons hold the #1 ranking in the Santa Cruz Sentinel Power Poll Rankings. On the MaxPreps Sports website we are ranked #14 in the CCS, #124 in California and #213 Nationally. We went into this game with several key players nursing injuries which limited their play.

We knew we were going to be challenged by the powerhouse Mariners team. The games we play each other have turned into quite a great rivalry. The Falcons were hungry for a win and to maintain our position at the top of the SCCAL.

The game started with both teams trying to control the ball and mount an attack. The Falcons immediately came out with a spirit to compete for the ball on the ground and in the air. In the 7th minute of play senior outside midfielder Ranae Maloney broke free down the right sidelines slightly beating her defender. Ranae rounded the corner and made a beautiful pass to senior forward Taylor Rohde. Taylor was approximately 15 yards away from the near post when she settled the pass to her foot. Taylor immediately put a shot to the goal but was blocked by her defender. Taylor managed to regain control of the deflected ball quickly and with her right foot drilled a second shot to the left side of the Mariner goal for a score. The game was early and we knew we had a lot of play left. The rest of the half was both teams exchanging control of the ball and attempting to muster an attack. The Falcon defense was up to the task and played fantastic. The first half had the Falcons putting 1 shot on goal while the Mariners also put 1 shot on goal. The half ended in a hard fought score of, Falcons 1 to the Mariners 0.

At half time several key adjustments were made by the Falcons. As we always try to do, we emphasized to control the ball and keep possession while being patient with our passing. We insisted that the players stay within our game, increase their effort and compete for every ball. We stressed that in a close game against equal opponents a let down or mistake could cost us.

The second half started with a noticeable increase in the physical aspect of the game. The referees were making very few foul calls and letting both teams play. Our lady Falcons adjusted and competed with the mighty Mariners the entire time. The Mariners were aggressive and tried to put relentless pressure on our Falcons. The Falcons midfielders, defenders and goalkeeping kept their poise, composure, shape and worked together to shut down the attacking Mariners. The second half had the Mariners adding 6 more shots on goal while the Falcons put 3 more shots on goal. The game ended with the score being, Falcons 1 to the Mariners 0.

The Falcon goalkeeping was once again exemplary by junior captain Emily Johnson. Emily had a huge presence in our goal that has led to 8 shutouts in 9 games this season in SCCAL play. Emily exhibited her good hands, quick feet and athletic approach to the position. Emily's excellent decision making on her positioning and attacking loose balls in her 18 yard box is extremely beneficial to our team. Emily's free kicks and punts are second to nobody we've played so far this season. Emily compliments our defenders by verbally directing them the entire game.

Wow, again the Falcon defense effectively shutdown one of the most talented and feared offensive teams in the CCS. The defense kept their shape the entire game while making sound decisions to adjust to the Mariners attacking forwards. The defense switched off numerous times to cover each other, stole passes, settled the ball while swinging their passes to go to the open field. The Falcon defense was once again led by senior captain Jordin Carlson, senior captain Kalynn Morano, junior Kacey Lilly and sophomore Megan Keating.

The Falcon midfielders had another great game in which they stepped it up big time. The Falcon midfielders challenged the Mariners every step of the way. The midfielders overlapped and consistently repositioned themselves to work with our defenders and forwards. The inside midfielders played with skill and patience. The inside midfielders were senior captain Emily Payne, junior captain Madison Black, sophomore Lena Gustafsson and junior Rachel DuBridge. The outside midfielders were nothing short of superb during this game. The outside midfielders were senior Ranae Maloney, senior Jessica Romeo and senior Kathryn Balch. Both the inside and outside midfielders used their endurance and stamina to consistently make runs on offense and get back to help out on the defense.

The Falcon forwards played with a relentless spirit to make runs and go to the open space all game. The forwards stretched the field while using their skills, speed and positioning to pose a threat all game. The Falcon forwards were senior Sonja Gustafsson, senior Taylor Rohde and sophomore Darby McFall.

This game was our second of the season against the well coached Mariners. Their team is fiercely competitive and are relentless. Their skill, speed and play is some of the best we've played all season. I would like to thank the Mariners for a good game and wish them well with the rest of their season.

Special recognition for a great game goes to the whole Falcon team. The Falcons played as one and finished as one. They played like great competitors and a unified team. They picked each other up and supported one another the entire game. I'm extremely proud at where the players have put themselves so far in this years SCCAL.

This win puts our 2011-12 season record at 10 wins, 3 losses and 3 ties. Our SCCAL 1st place record is at 8 wins, 0 losses and 1 tie. Our next game will be against the Santa Cruz Cardinals at Depot Field in Santa Cruz on Tuesday, February 7th, 3:30 PM.