The rivalry between the Cardinals and Falcons goes back to the days that Scotts Valley was created. The healthy competition is well known by both schools alumni and current players. Our lady Falcons came out the gate with a fierce play and determination. In the 11th minute of the game our Falcons were on the attack with senior captain Madison Black fighting for a shot in the Cardinals 18 yard box. Madison was able to dump off a pass to freshman Emmy Koflanovich. Emmy drilled the ball towards the Cardinals net, by two defenders and past the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper and into the top left corner of the net for a goal. The battle continued with both teams playing aggressively and a will to control the ball. In the 37th minute of the game our Falcons were on another attack when sophomore Taylor Raymond fought and battled for control of the ball within the 18 yard box of the Cardinals. Taylor broke free and delivered a pass across the box to Emmy Koflanovich. Emmy shot a bullet from approximately 25 yards out that sailed up and over the arms of the Cardinal goalkeeper for a goal. The Cardinals quickly regrouped and with a sense of urgency attacked our goal. In the 39th minute the Cardinals were awarded a corner kick. The kick was delivered to the front of the net. The ball bounced by several Falcons where a Cardinal connected with the loose ball and drilled it into our goal. The first half had our Falcons with 5 shots on goal while the Cardinals had 3 shots. The score at halftime was the Falcons 2 to the Cardinals 1.

At halftime we asked each player to give more energy and tenacity. Our lady Falcons were getting the reality that we were competing with a very good team. The second half was played with heart and passion. Each Falcon played their hardest and tried winning one battle at a time. The Cardinals played toe to toe and fiercely competed. The second half had our Falcons with 4 more shots on goal while the Cardinals had 4. The game finally ended with the score being, Falcons 2 to the Cardinals 1.

Our senior captain goalkeeper was Emily Johnson who had 6 saves. Emily was utterly fantastic and put the weight of the team on her shoulders. Emily's play was spectacular and she showed off her decision making, aggressiveness, good hands and quick feet. Our defense was stellar and strong the entire game. The Falcon defense was led by junior Darby McFall, junior co-captain Megan Keating, freshman Mary Lonhart and freshman Desiree Rakela.

The outside midfielders were led by sophomore Taylor Raymond, freshman Allie Carl, junior Nicole LaPorte and freshman Mikaela Inman. Our inside midfielders were led by senior captain Madison Black, freshman Emmy Koflanovich, freshman Marissa Sion and junior Melinda Lane. The midfielders were strong with their play and intensity. Our forwards were led by senior captain Jessica DuBridge and freshman Audrey Liebenberg. Having a fantastic game was our entire Falcon defense, Emily Johnson, Taylor Raymond and Madison Black. Congratulations goes to our Player of the Game, Emmy Koflanovich.

I would like to thank the mighty Cardinals for a hard fought game. A big win for the Falcons but onto our next game. Our Falcons season record is 7 wins, 5 losses and 5 ties while our SCCAL record is 5 wins, 1 loss and 3 ties. Our next game will be against and at Soquel High Knights, Thursday, Feb 7th at 6 PM.