Although Freedom's girls soccer team saw its three-game win streak snapped Saturday, the Falcons are playing their best soccer so far this season as they rapidly approach the beginning of their Bay Valley Athletic League schedule.

During the team's recent win streak, in which the Falcons defeated Pittsburg, El Cerrito and Concord, Freedom didn't allow a single goal.

"Our defense is starting to work really well, shutting down shots," said head coach Marc Crockett. "Katie Doherty is doing a really good job at sweeper and Kristy Schweizer is doing a great job in goal for us, stopping shots."

At the same time, the Falcon offense hit its stride, scoring 10 goals during the streak, one more than they'd scored in their previous six games. Sophomore forward Melissa Carrol led the offensive charge, scoring three goals.

The Falcons fell just short on Saturday, tying Berean Christian 2-2 in their first game of the day, but their 3-2 double-overtime loss to Acalanes stung far worse.

Freedom took a 2-1 lead into the final minute against Acalanes before a tough call by the officials swung the momentum the Dons' way. With about 10 seconds remaining in the contest an Acalanes free kick bounced off the goalpost and was cleared by the Falcons, who began racing off the field to celebrate their victory. But, as the girls celebrated their win, the referee signaled that the free kick had struck the inside of the goal and bounced out - counting the shot and sending the game into overtime, where Freedom lost the shootout and the game. "I'm very proud of the way the girls played all weekend and I'm looking forward to the second half of the season," said Crockett. "The girls are mentally and physically prepared."

Freedom opens its league campaign on Jan. 2 at Deer Valley High.