Daytona Beach, FL (dscfalcons.com)- The Daytona State women's soccer team, who reported for the start of their 2017 season July 30^th, began their short exhibition schedule in preparation for regular season last week. The Falcons first opened the schedule at UNF August 9^th, then returned home to play Middle Georgia State College, an NAIA school out of Macon, GA on Sunday, August 13^th. The game was originally set for 7:00 pm on Saturday, August 12^th, but due to inclement weather it was postponed until Sunday morning. The Falcons had a strong showing finishing out the game 4-2, tallying 15 shots and goals by 3 different players.

 "We moved the ball well between the thirds and created a number of dangerous opportunities throughout the game. There were some individual stand out performers, but overall the group showed a sense of cohesion that allowed us to be successful."

Since the match was an exhibition game, the two sides decided to play three thirty minute periods, enabling each side to try different combinations of players. In the first period, Daytona State dominated, tallying 8 shots. At the 19' mark, Alexis Vazquez found the back of the net off of a slotted ball from the right side of the goal from Cheyenne Beck, placing in the left corner of the goal. Vazquez found the goal two minutes later, getting her head on a cross from Naomi Gurrola, burying it in the back of the net. The third goal came in the second period, when Heather Nulty was able to find Michaella Krebser making a run between Middle Georgia's center and left outside back, finishing in the left corner or the goal. The Falcons' fourth and final goal came in the last thirty-minute period, when Vazquez fed Beck a through ball on Middle Georgia's high defensive line, giving Beck a 1v1 with the goalkeeper.

 "I am proud of the way the team performed against Middle Georgia. We spent a great deal of time this week focusing on our mentality and the need to take responsibility for our roles within the team. I am happy to see the girls take positive steps forward from our first game against UNF," said Head Coach Brittany Jones.

Southeastern University-August 16^th- Daytona State finished their third preseason game last night in Lakeland, FL against Southeastern University, falling 4-1. "There were a lot of positive moments to be taken out of last night's game. We were punished on a few errors in the first half, but was able to respond positively continuing to create a lot of opportunities throughout the game. Michaella Krebser had a fantastic goal, assisted by Heather Nulty and Tyler Einsmann in the first half and Kristian Shores made a few big saves including in the first few minutes of the match. The second half we came out very well organized as a unit and we were able to address and deal with the problems Southeastern had created for us in the first half."

"I am excited about our upcoming fall schedule.  As a program it is our goal to compete at the highest level possible and we can only improve by gaining exposure to highly successful programs.  This fall we will have the opportunity to face three teams that made the NJCAA National tournament within the last few seasons: Monroe College (NY), Johnson County (KS) and Eastern Florida State College. These teams have set the standard within the NJCAA for many years and it is our goal to reach the same heights," said Coach Jones.

The Falcons return to their home turf on for their final exhibition match Sunday, August 20^th to take on the Embry-Riddle at 7pm. 

Photo Credit: Genesis Font