The first half began with our Falcons putting immediate pressure on the Cougars defense. Within the 1st minute we had a throw-in by junior Taylor Raymond from the right sideline who sent a pass across the face of the goal. Soph. Allie Carl went high into the air and headed the ball into the left side of the Cougars net for our first goal. Our Falcons regrouped and continued our assault on the Cougars. In the 6th minute, Taylor Raymond sent a cross pass from the right wing to a charging soph. Emmy Koflanovich who drilled the ball into the net for our second goal. We went back to work but in the 21st minute the lady Cougars received a free kick off a foul from approximately 30 yards out. The Cougars player drilled the ball into the top of our net over the hands of senior goalkeeper Claire Covert. The match went back and forth with solid possessions and defenses that kept the ball out of the net. In the first half our Falcons had 10 shots on goal while the Cougars had 4 shots on goal. At halftime it was Falcons 2 to the Cougars 1.

At halftime we spoke about more effort, winning 50/50 balls and challenging every ball in the air. We came out strong in the second half and in the 49th minute Emmy Koflanovich sent a cross across the entire field and led a streaking Taylor Raymond in stride. At approximately 25 yards out from the right side Taylor sent a rocket shot into the Cougars net and made the score 3 to 1. We went back to work playing to feet and being stronger on defense. The match went back in forth with the defense bending but not breaking. The second half had our Falcons with 11 more shots on goal while the Cougars managed just 1 shot in the half. The game ended with the Falcons 3 to the Cougars 1.

Our overall defense played well but improvement is needed. Our goalkeeper was senior captain Claire Covert who had 4 saves during the game. Our defensive backfield was senior captain Darby McFall, soph. Desiree Rakela, soph. Mary Lonhart, soph. Marissa Sion and soph. Maddie Hitzeman. Our defense was quick to the ball, controlled the ball and stopped many of the Cougars attacks. Having an excellent game was Darby McFall, Marissa Sion and Maddie Hitzeman.

Our midfielders were strong and played a very competitive and tough game. Our inside midfielders were senior captain Melinda Lane, soph. Brittany Cartee, soph. Anna Payne, fresh. Serena Garcia and junior Emily Todd. Our outside mids were junior Taylor Raymond, soph. Allie Carl, soph. Maddie Hitzeman, fresh. Mackenzie Wessell and fresh. Marcella Margiotta. Having a great game were Melinda Lane, Brittany Cartee, Serena Garcia and Allie Carl. Having a fantastic game and being nominated as Player of the Game was Taylor Raymond.

Our forwards played very well using their speed, quickness, body strength and perseverance to put relentless pressure on the Cougars. Our forwards were soph. Emmy Koflanovich and soph. Audrey Liebenberg. Emmy Koflanovich had an excellent game.

This win puts our overall 2013/14 season record at 4 wins, 3 losses and 2 ties. Our SCCAL record is 1 win after one game. Our current rankings through MaxPreps is 497th Nationally and 246th in the State. We have a bye and will not have a game on Thursday January 9th. Our next game will be on Tuesday, January 14, 2013, 3:30 PM at St Francis High School in Watsonville against the Sharks. Please come out and support our lady Falcons varsity soccer squad.