Men Defeat Merrit 1-0

The men's game was the Bay Valley Conference opener for both teams, featuring the 2013 BVC Champions from Merritt.  The Thunderbirds proved to be a tough opponent as they controlled the tempo early in the game, but the Falcons' defense continually shut off the visitors' attack.  Midway through the first half it appeared that the FLC squad had settled down and was gaining confidence.  At the 25th minute, Eduardo Campos found forward Tyler Scott with a crossing pass, which Scott controlled off his chest, then shot past the Merritt goalkeeper for a Falcon goal.  The Merritt players' shoulders slumped as the crowd erupted to celebrate the 1-0 lead.   "That goal lifted our confidence," noted coach Martin Roberts.  "We really played strongly the rest of the way."  The defense continued to thwart each attack as goalie Patrick McDade recorded his second shutout of the season.  In fact, opponents have been limited to one goal or less in seven of the teams' nine games.  The Falcons' record improved to 2-6-1 overall and 1-0 in BVC play.  They'll face another new program like themselves on Tuesday when they travel to Ukiah to take on Mendocino College, who have already proven they can win as demonstrated by their 6-1-2 record.