We went into this game knowing that the Gators were an excellent team with a great soccer program, good skills and excellent speed. Our Falcons came out flat and were immediately being attacked by the good passing and movement of the Gator team. Their team of 14 upperclassmen was imposing their experience on our young team which resulted in a lack of focus and frustration. We were on our heels trying to possess the ball and execute our game. The talented Gators scored 3 goals in the 24th, 27th and 34th minute to take a strong lead. We continued to play and made it to the half with the score being, Gators 3 to our Falcons 0.

At halftime we spoke to our young team about playing a tough game and we had to muster a comeback. We played well the second half but the Gators possessed the ball and challenged us the entire time. In the 58th minute we were defending our goal when we had an own goal that made the score 4 to 0. We were unable to maintain our game plan but we played to the end while only managing 2 shots on goal the entire game. The game ended with the score being, Gators 4 to our Falcons 0.

Our team collectively had a rough game. Our “Player of the Game” was clearly our senior captain goalkeeper Claire Covert. Claire had a good game with 9 saves. Claire had good hands, quick feet and made good decisions. Claire made several outstanding saves on some tough point blank shots on goal. Our defense was played by senior captain Darby McFall, and sophomore’s Desiree Rakela, Marissa Sion and Maddie Hitzeman. Our outside midfielders were junior Taylor Raymond, soph. Allie Carl, fresh. Kaylee Craft and fresh. Marcella Margiotta. Our inside midfielders were senior captain Melinda Lane, soph. Brittany Cartee, fresh. Serena Garcia and soph. Mary Lonhart. Our forwards were soph. Audrey Liebenberg, soph. Samantha Sion and fresh. Cara Courtney. Our supporting and injured players were soph. Anna Payne (injured), soph. Emmy Koflanovich (injured), fresh. Alyse Handley and fresh. Mackenzie Wessell (sick).

I want to thank the Gators for a well-played game and wish them luck in their upcoming CCS Div. III final match against Menlo. Our Falcons simply ran into a buzz saw and we were outplayed by the Gators. We give full credit to the Gator ladies but our young team did not come out ready to play a fast and competitive game. Our young Falcon players need to remember this learning experience and be able in the future to bring their A game in CCS competition. I want to thank our 3 senior leaders; Darby, Claire and Melinda for giving their all both physically and mentally. We were successful because of their leadership and experience. This team has grown and developed a strong chemistry that eventually evolved into a winning season. Our Falcon coaches are extremely proud of all of our players and wish them nothing but happiness and future success.

Our final 2013/14 season record is 13 wins, 5 losses & 5 ties. We scored 45 goals and allowed 26. In MaxPrep Sports we finished #393 in the Nation, #193 in the State & #22 in the CCS. We look forward to our final team party with this group of players. We also look forward to our Falcon future with all our returning players in 2014/15. I look forward to everyone’s continued support for our lady Falcons.