The Knights are a well balanced team with good skills, size, speed and toughness. We insisted on our players coming out aggressive and setting the tone of the game early and often. Our lady Falcons did not disappoint. In the 3rd minute of the game sophomore Taylor Raymond took a throw-in deep in the Knights territory. A perfect pass was delivered to the middle of the goal where senior captain Madison Black leaped high in the air, flipped the ball with her head and sent the ball into the left side of the Knights net for our first score. We went back to work immediately and did not let up. In the 10th minute Madison Black sent a pass from the left towards the center where freshman Emmy Koflanovich drilled the ball into the net past a diving Knights goalkeeper. Our Falcons had 2 shots on goal the first half while the Knights had 2. The score at halftime was Falcons 2 to the Knights 0.

At halftime we spoke about keeping up the pressure and playing to win every battle on the field for the last 40 minutes. Both teams came out and we went head to head with good aggressive soccer. In the 60th minute our Falcons were again on the attack when Taylor Raymond again had a deep throw-in. The pass went to the middle of the goal where freshman Mikaela Inman trapped the ball and sent a short pass to junior Nicole LaPorte who ran in a shot for another goal from 10 yards out. We quickly went back to work and the Knights continued to play relentless solid soccer. In the 78th minute the Knights converted a penalty kick into a score. Our Falcons had 5 more shots on goal in the second half while the Knights had 7 more shots. The final score was, Falcons 3 to the Knights 1.

Our young defense was once again very strong and consistently shut down the Knights offense. The defense was led by junior Darby McFall, junior co-captain Megan Keating, freshmen Mary Lonhart, Desiree Rakela and Marissa Sion. Our goalkeepers were senior captain Emily Johnson (70 min) and junior Claire Covert (10 min). Emily was once again the fearless leader in the defensive backfield. Our outside midfielders were sophomore Taylor Raymond, freshman Allie Carl and junior Nicole LaPorte. Our inside midfielders were led by senior captain Madison Black, freshman Emmy Koflanovich and junior Melinda Lane. Our forwards were senior captain Jessica DuBridge and freshman Audrey Liebenberg. Having a stellar solid game were defenders Darby McFall, Mary Lonhart, Desiree Rakela, Megan Keating and Marissa Sion. Also having a great game was Emily Johnson, Emmy Koflanovich, Taylor Raymond, Jessie DuBridge and Melinda Lane. Our Player of the Game clearly went to our fearless leader, Madison Black.

I want to thank the talented Knights for a great game. Our young team continues to learn, develop and play better together. We continue to grow as a team and instill confidence towards each other. Our season record is now 8 wins, 5 losses and 5 ties while our SCCAL record moves to 6 wins, 1 loss and 3 ties. We've now scored 33 goals while allowing 20 this season. We are ranked 498th Nationally and 274th in the State on MaxPreps. Our next game will be on Tuesday, Feb 12th, 7 PM at Aptos High against the Mariners. Thank you all for your continued support of our Falcon team.