A 2-1 loss to the conference leading Cedarcrest Red Wolves was everything first-year Falcon head coach Ben Rusch wanted it to be, except for a lull about the 50th minute.

The Falcons stopped talking and the lightly foggy field fell silent until the Red Wolves scored two goals in two minutes (50th, 52nd). That burst of energy seemed to ignite the Falcons, as senior midfielder Cortney Fredriksen scored on the first play from the kickoff.

Maia Sparkman tipped a through ball over the defender to Fredriksen who lofted the ball over Cedarcrest’s goalie to cut the Red Wolves’ lead 2-1.

South Whidbey couldn’t get another quality shot in the remaining minutes as Cedarcrest’s offense maintained possession and pressured the Falcon defenders with five shots on goal.