Our Falcons went into this game knowing we were going to be tested and challenged. Both teams came out and tried to string passes together in order to create an attack. The defenses were up to the task and played excellent. Our Falcons had a few opportunities at scoring but the Pirates kept the ball out of their net. The first half had our Falcons with 4 shots on goal while the Pirates managed 3 shots on goal. The half ended with the score tied 0 to 0.

The second half was pretty much the same type of action with both teams resorting to kicking through balls to generate a scoring threat. Both defenses and goalkeepers kept their ground and did not allow the ball into either net. At times in the half each team created a threat on the opposing defense but were not able to put it away for a score. The second half had our Falcons with 3 more shots on goal while the Pirates also had 3 more shots on goal. The game ended with both teams in a tie, 0 to 0.

Our strength in the game was our goalkeeping and defense. Senior captain and goalkeeper Claire Covert led the way with 6 saves while showing off her athletic abilities, quick instincts, decisive actions, quick feet and solid hands. Our inside defenders were senior captain Darby McFall and soph. Desiree Rakela. Our outside defenders were sophomores Marissa Sion and Maddie Hitzeman. Our defense had a solid performance, adjusted to the speed of the Pirates players and played well on the ground and in the air. Our entire defense was selected as “Players of the Game.”

Our inside midfielders were senior captain Melinda Lane, soph. Brittany Cartee, soph. Anna Payne and fresh. Serena Garcia. Our outside midfielders were junior Taylor Raymond, soph. Allie Carl and fresh. Mackenzie Wessell. Our forwards were soph. Audrey Liebenberg, soph. Mary Lonhart and fresh. Kaylee Craft. Our midfielders played well against a very talented and aggressive Pirates team. Our players did well in the air and on the ground. Having a good game that should be recognized is Taylor Raymond who showed her aggressive play on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

As a team we are confronting a little adversity that has been thrown at us and we will make some adjustments and deal with it. Each one of our Falcon players needs to dig deep and contribute more in the second half of our league schedule. Players will have to step up and better their playing time. Our pride and spirit will prevail while continuing to compete against everyone we play. Changes are going to be made and support and trust in each other will have to grow. Our 2013/14 season record now stands at 7 wins, 3 losses & 4 ties. In the SCCAL we are 4 wins, 0 losses & 2 ties. We continue to be ranked #1 in the Sentinel Girls’ Soccer Power Poll Rankings for the Monterey Bay. In MaxPreps we are ranked #435 in the Nation, #220 in the State and #27 in the CCS. Our next game will be on Thursday, January 30, 3:30 PM in Felton against the San Lorenzo Valley Cougars. Go Falcons!