AWHS boys varsity soccer played their first Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) game of the season on Wednesday, Dec. 1 at the Redhill Field in San Anselmo. The Falcons were able to overcome an early deficit against the San Rafael High School Bulldogs, and won 3-1. 

The first half of the game started off with both teams battling to gain possession of the ball. Neither team could keep up sustained pressure on the other. San Rafael High gained the first shot on goal, but was unable to score as the shot struck the crossbar and went out of bounds. AWHS responded with a shot of their own off of a free kick from senior defender Zack Lillington, but it went over the roof of the net.

The Bulldogs scored the first goal of the game midway through the first half, with a shot that found its way into the back of the net. After the goal went in, the Falcons responded with offensive pressure and found themselves with another opportunity to score, which senior striker Owen Benson put over the crossbar. San Rafael High contained the pressure from AWHS, and went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.

“Lots of credit to [San Rafael High] they did something we were not expecting,” said boys varsity soccer coach Rene Ayala. “They put their two most talented players at center back, and they were really comfortable with the ball.”

In the second half AWHS figured out how to break down the San Rafael High defense, and this led to their first goal of the game. Owen dribbled past multiple defenders and put the ball into the bottom corner to tie the game at 1-1. 

Shortly after the Falcons tied up the game, Owen scored his second goal of the game off of a header from a cross into the box. With 15 minutes left, Owen scored his third goal of the game with a shot past the goalie, and into the back of the net. This goal gave AWHS a 3-1 lead, which ended up being the final score.

“I scored three goals, but they were team goals, and not just because of me,” Owen said.

AWHS faces off against San Marin High School on Saturday, Dec. 4 at San Marin.

“San Marin is a very tough team, and that is why I love MCAL because it is so competitive,” Coach Ayala said.

The Falcons will look to improve their record to 2-0 on Saturday against the San Marin Mustangs.