The Pirates entered the game with a season record of 8 wins, 4 losses and 1 tie. The Pirates were currently in fourth place in the SCCAL with a league record of 5 wins, 4 losses and 1 tie. The last game between the two teams was on January 20th when the Falcons won that game 2 to 0. The Pirates are a very good team and have earned their respect within the CCS with several key wins in the pre-season against some good opponents. The Pirates have a great tradition and rich history of competitive girls soccer.

The first half was full of excitement and good play as both teams battled the windy cold conditions. Most of the game was played in the center of the field while the Falcons were trying to mount their attack into the stiff breeze. There were few good scoring opportunities by both teams as the Falcons had 2 shots on goal while the Pirates only managed 1 shot on goal. The half ended with the score being, Falcons 0 to Pirates 0.

The second half had the Falcons going with the wind. The Falcons came out strong and immediately started pressing the Pirate defense. In the 42nd minute of the game junior Renae Maloney took a pass on the right side and settled the ball. Ranae crossed a pass into the center where sophomore Madison Black settled the ball, managed to maneuver around two Pirate defenders and dribbled the ball to the left side within 10 yards of the Pirate goal. The Pirate goalkeeper tried to defend the goal but Madison was able to fire the ball across the front of the goal and into the back of the net on the right side. The Falcons had a quick celebration then went back to work. The game again went back and forth with both teams stringing passes together to mount their attacks. The Falcons and Pirates offense put pressure on the others defense but both teams were up to the task and did not allow another goal. The second half had the Falcons with 3 more shots on goal while the Pirates also managed to put 3 more shots on goal. The game came to a conclusion with the final score being, Falcons 1 to Pirates 0.

The Falcon goalkeeping was again the work of sophomore Emily Johnson. Emily had another fantastic game shutting down the opponents high octane offense while saving 4 shots on goal. Emily registered her 10th shutout of the year while handling 1080 minutes in goal and saving 38 shots on goal during the whole season. Emily constantly led the coordinating of the Falcon defense while keeping the Pirates from having a good look at her goal the entire game. Emily's athletic ability, courage, physical presence and tenacious attitude are a cornerstone for the Falcon defense.

Our Falcon defense once again had an awesome and effective game. The Falcon defense has only allowed 40 shots on our goal the entire season. The defense has managed to shut out our opponents 13 times in 18 games this season and have only allowed 2 goals during our 11 games in the SCCAL. The defense locked in their 10th shutout in 11 SCCAL games this year. The Falcons defense overcame their own injuries and illnesses to put a good game together. The young Falcon defense was once again led by senior captain Aly Bothman, junior captain Kalynn Morano, sophomore Rachel DuBridge, sophomore Kacey Lilly and freshman Megan Keating. All five Falcon defenders should be acknowledged for having a solid and productive game. Aly Bothman once again shined with her leadership, positioning and decision making.

The Falcon midfielders came to play while putting together a great game irregardless of their own injuries and illnesses. The midfielders set the tone for the team while challenging the Pirates players in the air and on the turf. The midfielders ability to control the ball and deliver precise passes to our streaking forwards during the entire game was crucial to controlling the games tempo. The Falcon midfielders were led by sophomore Madison Black, freshman Lena Gustafsson, junior Renae Maloney, junior Jessica Romeo, junior Kathryn Balch and sophomore Olivia Gonzalez. Madison Black and Renae Maloney should be mentioned as having a good game. Both players had a direct impact on the success of the overall midfielders play.

The Falcon forwards once again showed the energy and tenacity of never giving up. While working hard the whole game, fighting against the wind and mustering a persistent threat the forwards had an overall good game. The Falcon forwards brought their all and battled with the Pirate defenders consistently and often. The Falcon forwards were led by junior captain Jordin Carlson, junior Taylor Rohde, senior captain Keara McCullough and junior captain Emily Payne. Jordin Carlson and Taylor Rohde should be mentioned for contributing their all to a well balanced attack.

The young Falcons continue to battle their opposition while dealing with several injuries and illnesses. The joint effort of all our players have continued to put our team on top of the SCCAL. We continue to show a remarkable perseverance, chemistry, heart and fight to compete with everyone we play. The Falcons have placed ourselves in the SCCAL's 1st place with a record of 9 wins 1 loss and 1 tie with one game remaining. We have compiled a season record of 12 wins, 4 losses and 2 ties.

Our season closer will be against the mighty Soquel Knights on Thursday, February 17th, 6 PM at their stadium. The Knights enter the game with a season record of 12 wins, 2 losses and 2 ties. The lady Knights are in the SCCAL's 2nd place with a record of 7 wins, 2 losses and 2 ties. Soquel enters the game with 55 goals scored and 6 goals against them. The last meeting between the Falcons and Knights on Jan 25th had the Falcons winning 1 to 0.