Falcons Beat the Heat and the Cougars to Improve to 2-0

Falcons are creatures known for being able to thrive in almost any climate. Today, the Forcey Footballers called upon their inner-Falcon resilience to overcome not just a tough opponent but also record-high, sweltering temperatures at Covenant Life School in Gaithersburg. The 2-0 shutout was not just hot but historic as the Falcons notched their first-ever victory in the Maryland Independent Athletic Conference.

Playing with water breaks and tents on the sidelines for shade, both squads started strong in the first half. Forcey had the early advantage of scoring opportunities as strikers Emmeric Scott and Harrison Duran kept plenty of pressure on Covenant Life’s back line. On the other side of the field, Michael Gonzalez hunted down Cougar attackers and kept the Falcons out of danger. Both teams looked poised for a tally at times, but the scoreboard showed all zeros when the whistle signaled the half.

In the second half, Jaydis Moreno moved up to the striker position to relieve an ailing Scott, and the second-year player wasted no time making his presence felt. Three minutes into the period, Moreno gathered a rebound on the left side of the box and calmly chipped the ball over the goalie, off the far post, and into the opposite side of the net to put the Falcons in front. The goal encouraged the Falcons but also seemed to ignite the Cougars, who went on the prowl looking to equalize. But Forcey’s defense, led by third-year players Gonzalez and Tireni Omotayo-Benson, was up to the challenge. Falcon keeper Ivan Bryan denied the Cougars’ best opportunity of the afternoon as he closed the door to an endline attack on the short side of the net.

With about seven minutes remaining and the Cougars peaking in desperation, Forcey’s Ken Tsozock fed Matthias Foster through to Covenant Life’s back line. Foster took a touch through the legs of a defender, another around the charging keeper, and a third to cut the ball back into the center of the net and seal the win for the Falcons. The 2-0 Forcey win avenged a heartbreaking overtime loss in Gaithersburg toward the end of last season and put the MIAC on notice that the newcomer Falcons are not intending to take a backseat in the ride through conference play this fall.

Forcey will look to rest and hydrate in preparation for more September temperatures in the upper 90s in Mount Airy on Thursday. The Falcons kick-off against the MACA Lions at Western Regional Park at 4:15pm. Forcey prevailed 1-0 on the same ground last season, and this contest will likely be a close one as well, especially with the heat doing its best to stifle both teams.

Pastor / Coach Foster
Forcey Bible Church
Forcey Christian School