We knew going into this game that we were in for a tough battle against a good team. The first half play went back and forth with our Falcons doing pretty well controlling the ball in the center of the field and attacking with our speed. Both defenses played outstanding and held firm. Our Falcons had 4 shots on goal while the Mariners managed but 1 shot. The halftime score was, Falcons 0 to the Mariners 0.

The second half began with our Falcons putting on several assaults on the Mariners defense. Finally, in the 59th minute junior Taylor Raymond took a throw in from the right sideline and sent a great pass across the front of the Mariners goal. Fresh. Mackenzie Wessell had beaten her defender while sprinting from the left and in full stride knocked the ball into the net past a diving Mariners goalkeeper. The game resumed and in the 63rd minute of the game the Mariners were awarded a penalty kick after a handball was called in the box. Our senior goalkeeper Claire Covert gave an excellent attempt to block the shot but the lady Mariner knocked the ball into the left side of the net for a 1 to 1 tie. The game seemed to intensify while both teams attempted to possess the ball. In the 76th minute the Mariners were awarded a free kick from approximately 35 yards out after a foul was called. The shot was blocked but a charging Mariner knocked the loose ball into the net for a Mariners 2 to 1 lead. In the second half our Falcons put 2 shots on goal and the Mariners another 3. The game ended, Mariners 2 to our Falcons 1.

Our Falcon forwards had a good game. Our forwards were soph. Audrey Liebenberg, freshmen Kaylee Craft, Marcella Margiotta and Samantha Sion. Our midfielders also played well. Our inside midfielders were senior captain Melinda Lane, soph. Bittany Cartee, and fresh, Serena Garcia. Our outside midfielders were junior Taylor Raymond, soph. Allie Carl and fresh. Mackenzie Wessell. Taylor, Melinda and Allie are recognized for having a very good game. Our defense once again played well. Our senior captain goalkeeper Claire Covert had 3 saves. Our inside defenders were senior captain Darby McFall and soph. Desiree Rakela. Our outside defenders were sophomores Marissa Sion and Maddie Hitzeman. Our “Players of the Game” go to Mackenzie (for scoring our lone goal) and Brittany who had an excellent game.

I would like to express our appreciation to the lady Mariners for being gracious hosts and giving us a good game. Despite the loss we continue to be in first place in the SCCAL with 7 wins, 1 loss & 2 ties (16 pts). Our season record is now 10 wins, 4 losses & 4 ties. We played well, missed some opportunities and made some mistakes. We must learn from this experience, play better and bounce back with a warrior mentality. Our Falcons have no time to relax because another big game is scheduled next. We still control our destiny if we stay focused and play our game. Our next game will be Tuesday, Feb 18th, 7 PM @ Soquel High against the lady Knights. We must continue to fight, believe, have no fear and show others that we are a team that will compete with anyone in the CCS. Suck it up lady Falcons; we’ve got another tough game against the lady Knights and we need to bring our A game. Dream big, play hard, strive to be the best!