Senior Myles Campbell is one reason the Cardinals have turned heads with their play in the early part of the season. Playing the preseason's top three squads, the Cardinals are playing with a new intensity and skill.
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reprinted from DCSportsfan, by Anthony Guy

Entering the 2009 season, the Good Counsel Falcons had one thing in mind; a WCAC championship. They returned the reigning Coach of the Year in Julio Zarate, a first team all-conference selection, two second team all-conference picks and all signs pointed up. After an impressive tie against Gonzaga, last year's champion, the Falcons fell to a tough DeMatha team 3-1. Slow starts have been to blame, and Tuesday was no exception; however, Good Counsel was able to overcome that and defeat a tough Ireton Cardinals team, 2-1.

“I feel like sometimes the team just needs a little spark, and as one of our leaders, I put that responsibility on myself to try and provide that,” said senior forward and co-captain Hugh Roberts, who scored both of Good Counsel's goals. “We seem to come out flat, and if we want to be the best we have to change that.”

The Falcons did start out flat. Balls flying out of bounds, sloppy passes, and key opportunities haunted the Falcons in the early minutes of the game, but Roberts would not let his team fall into old habits. After chasing down a ball that was destined to go out of bounds, Roberts then headed a ball and flipped to try an amazing bicycle kick that sailed just wide of the goal post. Even though the shot did not go in, the effort was contagious.

Ireton, who is hoping to rebuild and rebound from a tough 2008 season, played like a team on a mission. Their tough defensive scheme seemed to confuse the Falcons at time, but with a playmaker like Roberts, only time will tell. Sophomore midfielder Malcolm Harris took the ball down the far sideline, and he sent a beautiful cross-field pass to Roberts, who used his athleticism to tap the ball past the keeper and into the net. Roberts, who was double covered most of the game, was able to continually find openings.

“I just try and work hard. With teammates like mine, if you work hard then they will find you. I can always count on them. They make me job so much easier. That was a beautiful pass by Harris, all I had to do was tap it in,” said Roberts.

Already leading 1-0, Roberts got loose again, this time getting fouled while in motion to shoot. The stadium went quiet as Roberts placed the ball down and took his position to shoot. As the ball rocketed into the net, the place erupted, and just like that, thanks to the foot of Roberts, the Falcons led 2-0.

Roberts was not the only bright spot for the Falcons, as the defense and goalie were huge. Ireton’s lone goal, by senior CK Hancock, was scored on a free kick that the defense did not react to.

“I think the keeper made some great saves, and our defense played huge," Roberts continued. "The goal was more of a mental error, that I feel we can fix and next time it won’t happen again."

The game, however, was not as one-sided as it may seem. After leading 2-1 at halftime, the Falcons struggled to get any type of momentum. With Ireton locking down on Roberts, and forcing the Falcons to try new schemes, the defense held tight and never surrendered the lead.

With the victory, the Falcons stand at 1-1-1, while Ireton dropped to 0-3, but the Cardinals have shown improvements in every game.