The Falcons entered the game with a season record of 13 wins, 4 losses and 4 ties. Our team had been seeded #1 in the CCS Division III bracket. MaxPreps Sports had us currently ranked #194 nationally, #120 in California and #12 in the CCS. We entered the game ready to play without our senior team captain Jordin Carlson who was sidelined with an injury.

The first half started with both teams challenging the ball in the air and on the turf. The game went back and forth with both defenses holding firm and stopping each others offensive attack. The game found the Falcons putting 1 shot on goal while the Knights were held to 1 shot on goal the first half. The first half ended being, Falcons 0 to the Knights 0.

At halftime we challenged our Falcons to pick up their intensity, energy and effort to compete with the fast and skilled Knights.

The second half started with both defenses still dominating play. In the 62nd minute the Falcons fouled a Knight in the box. The Knights were awarded a penalty kick in which they successfully executed and scored their goal. The Falcons picked up the pace and managed several passes down into the Knights defense but the opposition maintained their shape and denied any Falcon attempts at a goal. The second half had the Falcons putting 4 more shots on goal while the Knights had put 6 more shots on our goal. The game ended being, Knights 1 to the Falcons 0.

The Falcon goalkeeping was again fantastic. Junior captain Emily Johnson played an excellent game pouncing on loose balls within the 18 yard box, making solid decisions and using her athletic abilities to dominate in the goal box. Emily's aggressive play shut the door several times on potential Knight threats. Emily's free kicks and punts consistently put the Knights at a disadvantage more than half way down the field.

The Falcon defense is commended for having an excellent game. The defense worked together stopping the Knights attacks and clearing the ball repeatedly. The defense was senior captain Kalynn Morano, junior Rachel DuBridge, junior Kacey Lilly and sophomore Megan Keating. The Falcon defense and goalkeeping can be credited with essentially stopping a very good Knights offensive attack.

The Falcon midfielders had a rough game against some very good opposing athletes and skilled soccer players. The midfielders challenged every ball all game and tried to make runs on the Knights. Our inside midfielders were senior captain Emily Payne, junior captain Madison Black and sophomore Lena Gustafsson. Our outside midfielders were senior Ranae Maloney and senior Jessica Romeo. The midfielders gave it their best the whole game.

The Falcon forwards were working hard the entire game making runs and trying to distribute the ball to other Falcons making runs. The forwards showed their endurance, toughness, speed and skill the entire game. The Falcon forwards were senior Sonja Gustafsson, senior Taylor Rohde and sophomore Darby McFall.

I want to thank the Falcon teammates on the bench for their spirit, support and focus the entire game. All our Falcon players gave their all against a worthy opponent. The bench players encouragement and cheers gave the entire team a boost the whole game. The Falcon players were sophomore Claire Covert, junior Jessica DuBridge, senior Kathryn Balch, senior Shanan McFall, junior Kyla Miller, freshman Megan Miller, sophomore Melinda Lane, freshman Taylor Raymond and senior captain Jordin Carlson. Thank you all for a job well done.

I would like to congratulate the Knights for playing a hard fought game and wish them luck in the upcoming finals against the Santa Cruz Cardinals.

I would like to commend and congratulate the entire Falcon team for working together as a team during our amazingly successful season. Even though we finished on a disappointing loss the entire team can hold their heads high and say they left everything out on the field of play. The entire team during the season overcame adversity, injuries and others not believing in the team. The Falcons showed heart and spirit while showing everyone that we could compete with anyone we played. Our players developed a confidence, trust and companionship in each other that will be memories forever. This team accomplished a lot this season and will be held in high praise and admired by players in future generations at Scotts Valley High School (SVHS). The 2011-12 Falcons have upheld the winning tradition of playing quality soccer against tough competition. The lady Falcons repeatedly tested themselves and stretched their capabilities and talents. I'm very proud of this teams legacy and putting their mark on SVHS soccer history. I congratulate the senior class for their years of playing, accomplishments, sacrifices and living up to our demands and expectations. The underclassmen can be proud that they gave their all in making our team highly competitive. We finish the season with a record of 13 wins, 5 losses and 4 ties. Thank you to the entire Falcon team for making the season memorable, fun and successful. You can all be reassured that no one player made this team and no one play dictated our success or failures. Fear was never a factor for any and all of our Falcons while showing a warrior mentality towards everything they took on.