Solano Soccer Stars Shine: Awards Season Honors Falcons’ Stellar Season

The Solano College women’s soccer team had a season worth cheering for, notching eight shutouts and earning a coveted playoff spot. Now, as the cleats are hung up and the final whistle blows, the accolades are rolling in for the standout Falcons who made it all happen.

Defensive Dynamo: Amanda Fokin

Leading the charge from the back line, Amanda Fokin, a graduate of Rodriguez High School, was named the Bay Valley Conference Defender of the Year. And let’s just say, it’s a title well-earned. Solano head coach Jeff Cardinal didn’t mince words when praising his team captain and center-back extraordinaire, calling her the “cornerstone of the Solano defense.”

Fokin played every single minute of the team’s 19 games this season, including the playoff showdown with Modesto. Her defensive leadership spearheaded eight shutouts—five of which came against conference rivals—and kept opponents to a mere eight goals across 11 conference games. Talk about locking it down!

Goalkeeper Extraordinaire: Juliana Jacobson

Freshman sensation and Vacaville Christian alumna Juliana Jacobson was named the conference Goalkeeper of the Year, proving that age is just a number when you’ve got quick reflexes and nerves of steel. Jacobson’s five shutouts and stingy eight-goal concession in conference play were enough to catch the attention of, well, everyone.

If that wasn’t impressive enough, her 24 saves in the playoff game against Modesto were downright jaw-dropping. Add to that her 17 saves in the nail-biting final conference game against Los Medanos, and you’ve got a highlight reel that’ll leave opponents wondering how they didn’t score.

First-Team All-Conference: Offensive Sparkplug Katelyn Walbolt

It wasn’t all defense for the Falcons. Center midfielder Katelyn Walbolt earned first-team all-conference honors for her offensive fireworks. Walbolt scored eight goals and dished out eight assists throughout the season, with six goals and seven assists coming during conference play.

Walbolt didn’t just fill the stat sheet; she delivered in the clutch. Game-winning goals against Woodland and Marin were key to Solano’s conference championship push and eventual playoff berth. Playing every game of the season, Walbolt proved herself a leader in both action and consistency.

Second-Team All-Conference Honors: Osorio, Urzua, and Jacobson

Second-team all-conference recognition went to three more Falcons who left their mark: Kalina Osorio, Itzel Urzua, and, of course, goalkeeper Juliana Jacobson.

Osorio showcased her versatility as a playmaker, contributing two goals and five assists while stepping into a center-back role during critical moments. Whether orchestrating the attack or shoring up the defense, her technical skill and vision made her a linchpin of the team.

Urzua anchored the defensive line with her steady play at outside back. Consistent and reliable, she was a key part of the squad’s ability to balance attacking flair with defensive grit.

A Season to Remember

The 2024 season was one for the books for the Solano Falcons. Eight shutouts, a playoff appearance, and a slew of individual awards are a testament to the team’s grit, determination, and talent. Whether it was Fokin’s impenetrable defense, Jacobson’s heroic saves, Walbolt’s clutch goals, or the all-around contributions from Osorio and Urzua, every Falcon played a part in making this a season to celebrate.

As the awards pile up and the Falcons look ahead to next season, one thing is clear: Solano College women’s soccer isn’t just building a team; they’re building a legacy.