We went into the game reassuring our young team that they would be in a dogfight the entire game. The initial tempo of the game was established and both teams held their ground. Our Falcons started off putting several runs on the Cardinals net but their goalkeeper kept us from scoring. The half went back and forth with physical challenges and tough play. The first half had our Falcons with 3 shots on goal with the Cardinals putting 3 shots on goal. At halftime the score was 0 to 0.

The second half we again came out with aggressive and solid play. In the 42nd minute junior Taylor Raymond took a throw-in from the left side and delivered the ball towards the front of the Cardinals net. The ball ricochet around when soph. Anna Payne took a shot from approximately 15 yards out. The shot went across the Cardinals net and into the back right of the net for a goal. The game continued with both teams mustering attacks but there was no further scoring. The 2nd half had our Falcons with 5 shots on goal and the Cardinals with 5. At the end of the game the Falcons had become victorious with a hard earned 1 to 0 win.

Our Falcons goalkeeper was senior captain Claire Covert. Claire had a fantastic game exhibiting good skills, decision making, athletic abilities, sure hands and quick feet. Claire had 8 saves but when crunch time came in the game she was leading her team to victory. Claire was our “Player of the Game” and showed she has the heart of a Warrior. Our defense played very well and was led by senior captain Darby McFall, soph. Desiree Rakela, soph. Marissa Sion, soph. Maddie Hitzeman and soph. Mary Lonhart. Darby and Marissa get special recognition for a well-played game.

Our inside midfielders were senior captain Melinda Lane, soph. Brittany Cartee, fresh. Serena Garcia and soph. Anna Payne. Our outside midfielders were played by junior Taylor Raymond, soph. Allie Carl and fresh. Mackenzie Wessell. Our forwards were played by soph. Emmy Koflanovich, soph. Audrey Liebenberg and junior Emily Todd. Special recognition goes to Melinda, Taylor and Emmy for having a huge impact on the game and they played superbly on the ground and in the air.

Our Falcons collectively won this game as a team. Everyone played well at times and gave the talented lady Cardinals all they could handle. We showed progress and matured a lot individually and as a team while playing an opposition that is very talented. Our lady Falcons had heart, tenacity and perseverance that got them a win. When the Cardinals ramped up their play our players matched them toe to toe and pulled out a victory.

Our season record now stands at 6 wins, 3 losses, 2 ties while our SCCAL record goes to 3 wins and 0 losses. On MaxPreps we are currently ranked 489 Nationally and 257 in the State. Our next game will be on January 21st, 7 PM against the Aptos Mariners on their field in Aptos. Keep fighting Falcons and keep our goals within your sites, no fear ladies!