The 2013-14 season came to a close last week for the boys soccer team as the Falcons exited the state playoffs in the quarter finals.

After besting the team from Walden Grove in the opening round, the Falcons finally fell to the team from Coronado, wrapping up another solid year in the post season.

Walden Grove

The first round of the state tournament was a goal-filled battle between the Falcons and their opening round opponents.

Head coach Anthony Galietti said that the local boys took a while to get into the game, coming out a bit flat in the early goings and paying the price in the 18th minute, when Walden Grove opened up the game with a goal to move ahead 1-0.

“The boys responded moments later when David Grifo equalized after heading home an in-swinging corner kick from Cody Dunham in the 24th minute,” Galietti said.

“In the 33rd minute, the ball came out wide to Jake McAuliff and, despite being 30 yards out from goal, Jake smashed a right-footed ball toward goal and caught the Red Hawks keeper out of position, sneaking it just under the cross bar and over his hands.”

This proved to be a huge momentum shift for the Falcons, taking a 2-1 lead into halftime and finding the net again within the first minute of the second half, when Shivam Rama pressed the Walden Grove back line and forced a turnover to Cody Dunham.

“Cody quickly sent David Grifo a through ball and David sliced through the defense and buried a goal to put the Falcons up 3-1,” Galietti said.

“Three minutes later, Victor Reisig earned a free kick just outside the 18-yard box.”

From there, Cody Dunham sent a low ball into the six-yard box, which was then deflected home by Victor Reisig to give the Falcons a 4-1 difference with half an hour left in play.

Walden Grove managed to shorten the difference with a second goal of their own in the 58th minute, but the Falcons were ready to answer back.

“Jaime Grifo tracked down a ball on the right wing and played a great ball to his cousin, David Grifo,” Galietti explained.

“David again knifed through the WGHS defense and forced the last defender to tackle him from behind and earned a penalty kick.”

Cody Dunham took the kick and moved the Falcons up 5-2, but Walden Grove wasn’t done fighting just yet. The Red Hawks managed one more goal before the final whistle, giving the Falcons a 5-3 victory.

Coronado

Playing in a rematch of last year’s quarterfinal match-up, the Falcons traveled to Coronado High School Saturday, Feb. 8, to take on the number two Dons.

Unfortunately for the local squad, history repeated itself, resulting in a 4-0 victory for Coronado.

“The Dons were able to score four first-half goals against the Falcons and were the better team on the field, no doubt,” Galietti said.

“The boys played hard and fought the second half, but the score stayed 4-0.”

Galietti said he is extremely proud of his team and the season the local boys put together.

“I would like to thank the boys and their families for another wonderful season, and I wish them nothing but the very best in the future,” Galietti said.

“I would also like to thank Bill Rupert, Ben Stern and Mark Lincir for volunteering so much time this season to help out with the program.”