Although the team has more losses than wins and ties, with a 2-9-2 record, the Falcons have shown a lot of heart and determination throughout the season.

“They’ve all improved a lot since the beginning of the season, both as individuals and as team players,” Head Coach Vezina said. “Their teamwork has improved, along with playing together and not being selfish,” he explained.

The Falcons’ improvement has been evident, especially on the defensive side of the ball, where their opponents only averaged 1.5 goals per game over their last four games. Earlier in the season, they allowed more shots on goal, and in at least three of these games gave up four or more goals.

“Good teammates and a great coach made for an overall fun season,” freshman midfielder Xavier Osinski reflected. “I feel like we have pretty good chemistry. Our coach invited us all to his house one time and that’s how we all got to know each other,” he continued.

On Monday, Apr. 22, the Falcons fell to the Independence Tigers. Through effective communication and an aggressive offense, the Tigers got off to an early lead in the first half, going into half-time 2-0. In the second half, Briar Woods ratcheted up the intensity of their defense, not allowing any shots on goal, and on offense, the Falcons showed improved ball control which led to their first and only goal of the game. The Tigers walked away with a 2-1 victory, but the Falcons demonstrated perseverance, fighting until the very end.

Osinski comments on the game against Independence, expressing, “it was definitely a hard game, but I thought we played pretty well even though we lost.”

Most recently, on Monday, Apr. 29, the Briar Woods Falcons faced the Stone Bridge Bulldogs. After a win against the Bulldogs earlier this season, the Falcons went into this game with confidence that they could prove to be a formidable opponent for the Bulldogs once again. The Falcons dominated the whole game, not allowing the Bulldogs a single shot on goal and moving the ball around the Bulldogs’ defense seamlessly. Unfortunately, a penalty kick in the first half gave the Bulldogs the upper hand, and offensive trouble on Briar Woods’ end with their inability to find the back of the net led to the Bulldogs’ 1-0 shutout.

Sophomore midfielder Tyler Henricks reflects on the game against Stone Bridge, saying, “I thought we had a lot of energy and momentum, and we kept fighting, even when [the odds weren’t in our favor].”

Henricks shares how this season has been memorable for him, stating, “having a good team and a good group around me has created a fun atmosphere [for playing soccer]. We worked together a lot more in games and [grew closer] with each other.”

Coach Vezina addresses his thoughts on the season ending, saying, “I’m [proud of the team’s ] performance. I couldn’t ask for them to work harder, just stay focused on the positives.”

The Falcons’ next game will take place at Potomac Falls on Thursday, May 2 at 6:00 pm. Make sure to come out and support your Briar Woods Falcons before the season is over!