Falcons, Mustangs square off to open Big 8 schedule
The Falcons opened their Big 8 Conference schedule with a home game against state #7 ranked Delta College on Tuesday evening and the two teams battled to a 2-2 tie. The match was a rollercoaster affair with both teams experiencing periods of momentum and drama. The Mustangs started the scoring early with a goal in the third minute of play, then continued to threaten the Falcon defense through the middle of the half. The Falcons eventually found their attack and made several good advances but failed to score in the first half. That changed in the opening minutes of the second half when midfielder Emma Thompson sent a free kick toward the goal that Sarah Freed directed into the net to tie the score at 1-1. The Falcons were noticeably energized by the goal and it showed in their subsequent attacks. However, the Mustangs were able to answer back with a goal in the 69th minute to go up 2-1. But again, the Falcons didn't quit; Michaela Mayer's corner kick in the 76th minute found Emma Thompson in front of the goal, and Thompson's volley flew past the Delta keeper just inside the right post, tying the score at 2-2. The final 15 minutes were a "edge-of-your-seat" frenzy as both teams sent shots flying from everywhere. In the end, neither team could break the tie.
Falcon coach Donny Ribaudo was quick to point out the efforts of freshman defender Payton Zanatta, who was able to use her speed and savvy to neutralize the athleticism of the Mustang forwards.
The Falcons will take their 5-0-2 record to Santa Rosa (4-1-1) on Friday to face the #10 ranked Bear Cubs at 3:30 pm.
