Falcons' women's soccer team off to 3-0-1 start

Article by Matt Long, Gold Country Media, September 06, 2024 9:20 AM

The defending CCCAA State Women's Soccer champions, the Folsom Lake Falcons, are off to a 3-0-1 start to their season behind the play of sophomore forward Tea Reyes. Reyes, an all-american last year as a freshman, has scored four goals and added one assist in her team's first four games this season.

Reyes scored a big goal in the team's most significant win against Fresno; had a goal and an assist in a 4-0 win over Las Positas and also scored two goals in a 4-0 win against Madera on Aug. 27.

"Tea played an important role in our final stretch of the season last year, scoring important goals," Folsom Lake Coach Donny Ribaudo said. "Tea didn't get complacent in the offseason; she led by example but continued to hone in on her technique with finishing and striking the ball and it's helping her."

Reyes isn't the only Falcon playing well. Grace Pratt has also scored two goals early in the season. Sophomore defender Hope Northrup and freshmen midfielder's Madi Stroh and Kylie Deome have also started the season off with some good soccer.

"This team is really talented and has more depth than previous teams because of some quality freshmen who have made in impact," Ribaudo said. "Madi Stroh has been really good at center-mid for us. Last year we had Barnum and Chavez there and Madi has helped fill a roll for us and she's been fantastic.

"Another transfer from San Jose State, Hope Northrup, plays center back, is left-footed and is fast, has great vision and is a distributor of the ball; she has helped to solidify our backline.

"Another impressive freshman has been Kylie Deome. She's scored one goal and has four assists already. She's an attacking center-mid who's a well-rounded, versatile player who can defend, attack, is a hard worker and leads by example in the midfield."

Folsom Lake College plays Butte at 6 p.m. on Friday. Another big non-league preseason game is coming Sept. 13 when Mt. Sac arrives from southern California for a 6 p.m. game.

Can this team make a run at another state title?

"It's hard to say," Ribaudo said. "We focus on teaching and not on the outcome. We focus on creating a healthy and competitive environment and winning and success has been a byproduct of that. We've created an inclusive environment where student athletes are enjoying themselves."