We knew that we had to bring our A game, play hard and fast. We started the game with intensity and a desire to win all 50/50 balls while mounting a relentless attack on their defense. In the 12th minute the Saints made a run and broke through our defense when they shot approximately 15 yards out on the right side of our goal. The shot ricochet from the far post into the net for a solid goal. We regrouped and played aggressive soccer while making several threats to score. In the 25th minute soph Brittany Cartee sent a pass into soph Emmy Koflanovich who broke free of her defender from approximately 30 yards out. Emmy sent a rocket of a shot into the upper net while the Saints goalkeeper tried her best to deflect the shot. We developed momentum and more energy after the goal. The halftime came with the score being, Falcons 1 to the Saints 1. We had 7 shots on goal while the Saints had put 3 shots on goal.

At halftime we talked about being faster with our speed, better with our touches, passes to feet and the need to go toe to toe with the Saints physical play. We came out in the second half making several threatening runs into the Saints territory. In the 62 minute Brittany Cartee distributed another great pass to forward Emmy Koflanovich. Emmy broke free from her defender and went one on one with the Saints goalie. The goalie made her move and Emmy calmly put the shot into the lower left of the net for another score. We played inspired for a while longer and ended getting back on our heels and allowing the Saints to put pressure on our defense. In the 78th minute the Saints were awarded a corner kick from the left side. The player sent a perfect bending cross to the front of the net. Despite our Falcons trying to defend the pass a Saints player drilled a header shot into the right side of the net for the tying score. The second half had our Falcons with 3 more shots on goal while the Saints put 5 more shots on goal. The game ended with a score of, Falcons 2 to the Saints 2.

Our goalkeeper was senior captain Claire Covert. Our defenders were senior captain Darby McFall, soph Desiree Rakela, soph Maddie Hitzeman, soph Marissa Sion and soph Mary Lonhart. Our inside midfielders were senior captain Melinda Lane, soph Brittany Cartee, soph Emmy Koflanovich, junior Emily Todd, soph Anna Payne and fresh Serena Garcia. Our outside midfielders were junior Taylor Raymond and soph Allie Carl. Our forward was soph Audrey Liebenberg. Injured players supporting their teammates were fresh Mackenzie Wessell and fresh Marcella Margiotta. Having a strong game was Emmy Koflanovich, Brittany Cartee, Melinda Lane, Allie Carl, Marissa Sion and Taylor Raymond.

We are improving while moving forward with our progress as a team. Our ladies are starting to believe in themselves, their teammates and the system. If we continue to put in our work and training our young team will compete. We've faced stiff competition this season and have done a fairly respectable job. Our younger players are developing and our senior leadership is improving.

Our next game will be on Saturday, December 21, 1 PM at Willow Glen High in San Jose at the Rams stadium. The Rams have a preseason record of 2 wins and 2 losses. The Rams have a large roster of 3 seniors, 7 juniors, 11 soph and 5 fresh. Continue to support our lady Falcons while we journey through our season.