We went into this game knowing that we had control of our destiny. To put it simply, if we win our next two games we will be the 2013/14 SCCAL Champions. Our girls were hyped and ready to go against a very tough opponent. The game started out with our lady Falcons putting relentless pressure on the Knights defense but we were unable to finish and score. Our Falcons put 9 shots on goal but the Knights defense held firm and we did not score. In the 29th minute of the game a free kick was awarded to the Knights for a foul from approximately 25 yards out from our goal. The Knights did not miss the opportunity and put a solid shot into the right corner of the net for a goal. The Knights ended up having 2 shots on goal and the halftime score was, Knights 1 to our Falcons 0.

At halftime our Falcon coaches and team captains demanded we play more inspired and continue the intense attacks on the Knights goal. We finally pulled through in the 56th minute when soph. Brittany Cartee sent a through ball on a breakaway to soph. Audrey Liebenberg. Audrey took the ball to the goalkeeper, made her commit, then shot the ball into the net from 10 yards away to tie the game. Again, in the 72nd minute junior Taylor Raymond sent a pass to the foot of Brittany Cartee who broke free from her defender and went one on one with the Knights goalie. Brittany made her commit and she drove the ball into the open net for a 2 to 1 lead. We then battled toe to toe with the Knights trying to control the ball and generate an attack. In the 78th minute our Falcon goalkeeper, senior captain Claire Covert made an exceptional play that essentially saved the win for our Falcons. Our Falcons had 5 more shots on goal the 2nd half while the Knights had 2 more. The game ended with the score being, Falcons 2 to the Knights 1.

Our Falcons did a fantastic job not getting frustrated with lost scoring opportunities and battled for a come-back win. Our goalkeeper was senior captain Claire Covert who 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 inside midfielders were senior captain Melinda Lane, soph. Brittany Cartee and fresh. Serena Garcia. Our outside midfielders were junior Taylor Raymond, soph. Allie Carl and fresh. Mackenzie Wessell. Our forwards were soph. Audrey Liebenberg and freshmen Kaylee Craft, Samantha Sion and Marcella Margiotta. Having a very good game through their play and leadership was Claire, Darby, Melinda and Taylor. Our Falcon “Player of the Game” was Brittany who dominated the middle of the field in the air and on the ground.

I want to express our appreciation to the Knights for their hospitality and effort for which they played. We have a tough game coming up next on Thursday, Feb 20th, 5 PM against the Harbor Pirates at Soquel High Stadium. We’ve fought through adversity this season which made us make some adjustments, but we are strong and capable of succeeding. We continue to move forward with strong leadership from the upperclassmen and talented youth. Our season record is now 11 wins, 4 losses & 4 ties while posting 8 wins, 1 loss & 2 ties in the SCCAL for 1st place. We are still ranked #1 in the Sentinel Power Poll Rankings. Please come to our next game to support our lady Falcons as we play for the SCCAL Championship.