Another Hat Trick for Clark as Falcons defeat ARC

Tuesday afternoon's showdown with American River was essentially a battle for third place in the Big 8, with the Beavers lurking just one win behind FLC in fourth.  But when Emma Thompson lofted a floater over the Beavers' goalkeeper in just the 5^th minute of play, the body language on both sides made it clear that the Falcons now controlled this match.  Neither side scored again in the first half, though the Falcons were dominating possession time and shots on goal.  The floodgates opened early in the second half, though, when Big 8 scoring leader Michaela Clark angled a shot from 30 yards out on the far left side that flew over the keeper and into the top corner of the side net for a 2-0 Falcon lead.  Ten minutes later, Clark stole a lazy pass intended for the Beaver goalkeeper and punched in an easy goal.  And less than one minute later, Emma Thompson added to her state-leading assists total with a feed to Sarah Scott for another Falcon goal and a 4-0 lead.  Finally, Michaela Clark tallied her FIFTH hat trick of the season when she scored her 3^rd goal of the game – and 25^th goal of the season - in the 69^th minute.  The Falcons recorded their ninth shutout of the season as they improved to 14-3-3 overall and 9-3-2 in Big 8 play. 

With just two matches remaining in the regular season, the Falcons have a bye on Friday, then host Sierra (16-3 overall, 11-2 in Big 8) on Tuesday evening at 6:00 pm before closing at Cosumnes River next Friday.