Our mighty Falcons go into this game with a 2011-12 season record of 12 wins, 4 losses and 3 ties while sitting in first place in the SCCAL at 9 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie. We continue to hold onto the #1 position in the Sentinel Power Poll Rankings for Santa Cruz County. We've scored 33 goals this season and only allowed 9 goals. We are rated #223 nationally, #132 in California and #13 in the CCS by MaxPreps Sports.

Our Falcons went into this game well prepared both physically and mentally. We knew the Knights would challenge us to the max and be competitive through out the game. The first half started out with both teams testing each other defensively and offensively. The lady Knights were quick to the ball and competed for everything in the air and on the ground. The game was played mainly in the middle of the field with both teams trying to manage and muster an attack. Both defenses bent a little but did not give up to much ground. The first half had the Falcons putting 2 shots on goal while the Knights had 0 shots on goal. The hard fought first half ended with the score being, Falcons 0 to the Knights 0.

At half time we critiqued the first half, made some adjustments and determined we needed to up our effort at making runs down the sidelines and put shots on frame. We went into the second half with an increased focus to control the middle of the field. We managed several attacks that brought pressure on the Knights defense. On one series senior Ranae Maloney put a shot on frame that hit the post, bounced down and two more attempted shots by senior Taylor Rohde were deflected and kicked out of harms way. The Knights weathered the storm and did not allow the volley of shots to go in. Two more excellent opportunities by senior Taylor Rohde and senior Sonja Gustafsson were later denied by the Knights goalkeeper. The Falcons seemed to pick up their energy and play making but were unable to score a goal. The second half had the Falcons with 6 shots on goal while the Knights had 2 shots on goal. The game ended with the score being tied at 0 to 0.

Our Falcon forwards had a great game. The forwards were led by senior Sonja Gustafsson, senior Taylor Rohde and sophomore Darby McFall. The forwards made diagonal and straight runs all game putting a constant pressure on the Knights defense. The forwards stretched the field and frequently raced back to challenge the ball at midfield. The forwards showed their speed, endurance and ball skills all game.

The Falcon midfielders had an awesome game. The midfielders managed the middle of the field and made sure crisp passes to mount our attacks. The midfielders showed skill and patience while generating our offense. The inside midfielders were led by senior captain Emily Payne, junior captain Madison Black and sophomore Lena Gustafsson. The outside midfielders made runs all game that challenged the Knights defense and put us in scoring opportunities. The outside midfielders were senior Ranae Maloney, senior Jessica Romeo and junior Rachel DuBridge.

Our Falcon defense knew they would be tested and challenged by the fast, skilled and physical offense of the Knights. The Knights have been a scoring machine all season and we knew our hands would be full to keep them contained. The Falcon defense lived up to their expectations by shutting down the powerful Knights offense and only allowing them 2 shots on our goal all game. Our defensive play was strong in the air and on the ground while swinging the ball and patiently generating our attacks on offense. The defenders made countless steals, strong clean tackles and kept the Knights threats to a minimum. The defense was led by senior captain Jordin Carlson, senior captain Kalynn Morano, junior Kacey Lilly, and sophomore Megan Keating.

Once again our Falcon goalkeeping was nothing short of fabulous. The goalkeeping was once again played by junior captain Emily Johnson who played superb. Emily commanded respect by aggressively pouncing on loose balls entering the 18 yard box. On numerous occasions Emily made quick decisive decisions to attack balls that Knight players were running to kick. Emily had free kicks and punts that kept the ball to the middle of the field. During the season Emily has had 1530 minutes in goal, with a .471 goals allowed average, allowed 9 goals, had 73 saves and registered 12 shutouts in 20 games. In league she was even more stubborn with her stats registering 890 minutes in goal, .270 goals allowed average, allowing only 3 goals, with 37 saves and posting 9 shutouts in 12 games. Emily finished off the season with fantastic play, great statistics and a wonderful attitude.

I want to congratulate the Knights for a fantastic season and hosting a good game. Our Falcons wish them the best of luck in their future play in the CCS playoffs.

I would like to congratulate the entire Falcon team for winning their third SCCAL championship in a row. Our final season record is now at 12 wins, 4 losses and 4 ties and 9 wins, 1 loss and 2 ties in SCCAL play. We look forward to competing for another CCS championship when the CCS playoff brackets are selected this Saturday, February 18th, 2012.

I would also like to recognize several players who were the top stat makers for our Falcon team this season and in the SCCAL. Our top goal scorer for the season was Madison Black with 8 goals. Our top goal scorers in the SCCAL were Sonja Gustafsson with 6, Taylor Rohde 4 and Madison Black with 4. Our top assists player for the season was Taylor Rohde with 9. In the SCCAL play our top assists were Ranae Maloney 7 and Taylor Rohde with 6. Our player with the most shots on goal for the season was Sonja Gustafsson with 33. In SCCAL play the leaders in shots on goal were Sonja Gustafsson with 23, Taylor Rohde 18, Madison Black 17 and Ranae Maloney with 15. Congratulations to the entire Falcon team for being great teammates and for sporting a great attitude and respect for the game. You've all made your team, school, fans and supporters very proud.