Both teams started the game by moving and controlling the ball efficiently and effectively. The game was evenly played with the Falcons trying to get our timing with each other and build a team chemistry towards ball control and making threatening runs at the oppositions goal. In the 40th minute of the game a foul was called on a Wildcatz defender at the 19 yard mark. Senior captain Madison Black took the free kick and drilled the shot into the right top of the Wildcatz goal for a Falcons goal right before the half. The Falcons had 7 shots on goal while the Wildcatz had 2 shots on goal the first half. The score at the half was Falcons 1 to the Wildcatz 0.

At half the Falcons made adjustments to use more speed and ball control to effect attacks on the Wildcatz defense. The game was again evenly played but the Falcons were able to add another 6 shots on goal in the second half. In the 63rd minute we received another free kick approximately 35 yards away from the Wildcatz goal. Senior captain Madison Black took the kick and delivered a perfect pass to the front of the Wildcatz net. Freshman Emmy Koflanovich took the bounced pass and headed the ball over the Wildcatz defenders and goalkeeper to the front of the left side of the goal. Freshman Allie Carl took the header and quickly tapped the ball into the net for a Falcon goal. The Falcons regrouped and picked up their play to the end of the game. The Wildcatz were able to add 3 shots on the Falcon goal in the second half. The game ended with the Falcons 2 to the Wildcatz 0.

The Falcon goalkeeper was senior captain Emily Johnson. Emily had a great game stopping 5 Wildcatz shots on goal. The Falcon defense was led by inside defenders, junior co-captain Megan Keating, freshman Mary Lonhart, outside defenders junior Darby McFall and junior Melinda Lane. Emily Johnson had an excellent game with good solid positioning, quick decisive decisions, good hands, great punts and driving free kicks. The defense played well in the game shutting down the Wildcatz attack while keeping them in check and allowing very little. The entire defensive backfield had their best game of the young season and closed the door on the oppositions offense.

Our inside midfielders were led by senior captain Madison Black, junior Lena Gustafsson and freshman Anna Payne. Our outside midfielders were led by senior Sarah Shaughnessy, sophomore Taylor Raymond, freshman Allie Carl and junior Nicole LaPorte. Our offensive forwards consisted of freshman Emmy Koflanovich, freshman Audrey Liebenberg, freshman Mikaela Inman and senior Jessica DuBridge. Madison Black and Lena Gustafsson once again showed their toughness, skills and leadership while playing with control, passion and intensity. The Falcon forwards showed their relentless speed and hustle while persistently putting pressure on the Wildcatz defense.

We were playing without senior captain Rachel DuBridge and senior captain Kacey Lilly who were out with an illness and injury. Kudos to junior Claire Covert who gave her team support, encouragement and praise the entire game. I would like to thank our hosts the lady Wildcatz from Watsonville who exhibited their sportsmanship and talents the entire game. Our Falcons continue to improve while working towards our goals of playing 80 minutes a game as a team. Our next game will be on Saturday, December 8th, 10 AM at Gilroy High School against the lady Mustangs from the Monterey Bay Gabilan League.