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Blue Hat Photography
Blue Hat Photography
Posted: Sep 15, 2025

Folsom Lake Falcons Building Momentum Early in the Season

The Folsom Lake College men's soccer team has opened the 2025 season with a strong statement, showcasing resilience, balanced scoring, and steady improvement across their first four matches. Sitting at 3-1 overall, the Falcons have demonstrated an ability to rally late, grind out road wins, and dominate at home.

Opening Day Comeback: Foothill at Folsom Lake (Aug. 26)

The Falcons began their season in dramatic fashion, erasing a first-half deficit to secure a 2-1 comeback victory over Foothill College. After Andrew Huber put the Owls ahead early, Folsom Lake responded with a second-half surge.

Sophomore Issac Harrison equalized in the 64th minute before Samuel Arnold capped the rally with the game-winner in the 85th. It was a gritty display that set the tone for the Falcons' campaign—poise under pressure and a refusal to back down.

Road Test Passed: Folsom Lake at Cabrillo (Aug. 29)

Three days later, the Falcons traveled to Aptos and came away with a narrow 1-0 victory over Cabrillo. In a defensive battle with few chances, it was Angel Ayala Rodriguez who broke through in the 74th minute, finishing off a clever assist from Mason Reyes.

Goalkeeper Danny Tejeda anchored the back line, securing a clean sheet without facing a single shot on goal. The result showcased Folsom Lake's discipline and ability to grind out wins away from home.

Learning Through Setbacks: De Anza at Folsom Lake (Sept. 9)

The Falcons' unbeaten start came to an end against a tough De Anza squad, who entered the matchup unbeaten themselves. Despite a spirited effort, Folsom Lake fell 2-1.

After trailing 1-0 at halftime, forward Thualfikar Alaskati provided a spark in the 50th minute, leveling the match with his first goal of the season. But De Anza capitalized late, reclaiming the lead in the 79th minute and holding on.

While the loss stung, Folsom Lake matched the Dons in shots (7 apiece) and dominated set pieces with nine corner kicks. The game underscored that the Falcons can compete with some of the region's best.

Statement Win: Woodland at Folsom Lake (Sept. 12)

Folsom Lake responded to the setback in emphatic fashion, rolling to a 4-0 home victory over Woodland Community College. The Falcons controlled possession, fired 18 shots (14 on target), and spread the scoring across the roster.

Aaron Valenzuela opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, assisted by Blake Garcia, before Paola Clark doubled the lead just before halftime. The second half saw Eric Herasymchuk and Garrett Veirs add goals, sealing the Falcons' third win of the young season.

Goalkeeper Fernando Garcia earned the clean sheet, while the defense limited Woodland to just one shot all afternoon.

Progress and Promise

Through four matches, Folsom Lake has already shown versatility:

  • Comeback ability (vs. Foothill)

  • Road toughness (at Cabrillo)

  • Competing with top programs (vs. De Anza)

  • Offensive dominance (vs. Woodland)

With contributions coming from veterans and new faces alike, the Falcons appear poised to make noise this season. Their balanced attack—seven different players have already registered either a goal or assist—combined with a steady defensive backbone, gives head coach [Coach's Name] plenty of reasons for optimism.

As conference play looms, Folsom Lake has proven they can win in multiple ways. If their early progress is any indication, the Falcons are just getting started.