We entered the game respecting the Acorns soccer program and their players. The Acorns were talented and fast. The first 20 minutes of the game we came out aggressive and dominated the play. In the 12th minute of the game we were awarded a throw in. Junior Taylor Raymond sent the throw across the field and into the middle where an Acorn player kicked it back out towards Taylor. Taylor settled the ball and sent a pass back into the front of the Acorn goal. Soph. Samantha Sion got to the ball and used her head to flick the path of the ball into the Acorn net past their goalie for a score. Our Falcons went back to playing hard and fast. In the last 20 minutes the Acorns turned the momentum to their side and had our Falcons on their defensive heels. Our Falcons weathered the storm, adjusted and battled to the end of the half with the score being, Falcons 1 to the Acorns 0.

At halftime we made some minor adjustments to our play and insisted on our ladies bringing all they have into the 2nd half. We went into the half and played well the entire time. The game was evenly played with each team trying to possess the ball and build an attack. In the last 10 minutes of the game the Acorns brought on their best push to score but our Falcons held their ground and kept the ball out of our net. The game came to an end with the score being, Falcons 1 to the Acorns 0.

Our Falcon team collectively played a hard fought game with effort and intensity. Our defense once again had an outstanding performance. Our midfielders played strong and battled the entire game. Our forwards were threatening and relentless with their play. Our goalkeeper was senior captain Claire Covert who had 6 saves. Our outside defenders were sophomores Maddie Hitzeman and Marissa Sion. Our inside defenders were senior captain Darby McFall and soph. Desiree Rakela. Our outside midfielders were junior Taylor Raymond, soph. Allie Carl and fresh, Mackenzie Wessell. Our inside midfielders were senior captain Melinda Lane, soph. Brittany Cartee and fresh. Serena Garcia. Our forwards were sophomores Audrey Liebenberg & Samantha Sion and freshmen Kaylee Craft, Marcela Margiotta and Cara Courtney. Once again our defense was rock steady and reliable. Having a good defensive game was Claire, Darby, Desi, Maddie and Marissa. Forwards having an outstanding game were Kaylee and Samantha. Midfielders having a fabulous game were Melinda, Brittany, Serena, Taylor and Allie. Our “Player of the Game” goes to Allie Carl for her effort, decision making, runs and smart play both offensively and defensively.

I would like to thank the Acorns for a well-played competitive game. Our season record is now 13 wins, 4 losses & 5 ties. We move into the CCS Div. III Semifinals against the #6 seeded Sacred Heart Prep Gators from Atherton. The game will be on Wednesday, March 5th. 4:30 pm at Westmont High in San Jose. The Gators have a season record of 18 wins, 2 losses & 2 ties while finishing 2nd in the West Bay Athletic League Foothill Division. In MaxPreps Sports they are ranked #187 in the Nation, #90 in the State & #7 in the CCS. The school has an enrollment of 603 students and their soccer team fields 7 seniors, 7 juniors, 4 soph. & 4 fresh. Please come out and support our lady Falcons as we move to another thrilling game.