Falcons, Santa Rosa tie 1-1; Bear Cubs prevail on PK's

The Falcons entered Friday's Big 8 Conference Tournament 3rd-place match a little beaten up (some key injuries left them at less than full strength) and a little disappointed (they had expected to be playing in the championship match).  Both factors appeared to have an effect on the Falcons; they seemed just a ½ step slow to start the game and the Bear Cubs took advantage with a goal just 8 minutes into the match.  Once the Falcons got moving, they seemed destined to score often.  They had numerous open looks and shots on goal, but nothing was going in.  Crossbars, posts, and shots  punched away by the goalie; so many close calls but nothing to show for it.  It took until midway through the second half before the Falcons finally converted a scoring chance when freshman midfielder Nyah Attaway took a pass from Kalyn Amezcua and beat the goalkeeper on a 1-on-1 and tied the score.  The two teams then held each other scoreless for the final 20 minutes.  With the dreaded penalty kicks to decide the third-place winner,  Santa Rosa came through in the clutch, converting all four of their shots to win the shootout, 4-2.

The Falcons (13-1-5 overall in 2021) will rest up and hopefully heal up this week as they await the official pairings for Saturday's first round of the CCCAA state playoffs.