When all was said and done, and the Lehigh Valley Summer Soccer League (LVSSL) officially came to an end last week, CSG Falcons Blue finished the season as runner-up in the girls playoffs.

Prior to coming up two goals short against Blue Crew (Warren Hills) in Friday's championship game, the Lady Falcons earned three postseason victories along the way in advancing to the final game of the season.

And while the Lady Falcons were a game short of their ultimate goal, head coach Rick Babyak has been pleased with both teams play all season.

"I'm very proud of what they did," Babyak said. "They had a great season, and they really came together nicely as a team.

"As I said to them, too, we have a whole other squad coming together with them very shortly. That is going to make things stronger and better. It's a good situation."

Two first-half goals for Blue Crew was the deciding factor in their 2-0 victory over CSG Falcons Blue.

In what has been one of the Lady Falcons' troubling facets all season, CSG Falcons Blue produced just two shots on goal against Blue Crew. Heading into the playoffs, the Lady Falcons scored 16 goals in eight regular season games, tied for fifth in the league.

When the playoffs began two weeks ago, the Lady Falcons got off to a quick start in that regard, scoring three goals in each of their first two postseason contests. Then, after a 1-0 win over Kodiak Attack in the semifinals, their shutout against Blue Crew was the Lady Falcons' second of the season.

"We didn't hold the ball well enough on offense," Babyak said. "I think there probably was a slight bit of hanging back defensively when we should have probably taken some chances offensively and got some numbers up."

In their victory over Kodiak Attack that advanced the Lady Falcons to the title game, midfielder Sarah Reilly was responsible for the game-winning goal. Despite a 12-3 disadvantage in shots, Reilly's deep shot that lofted over the outstretched hands of Kodiak's goalkeeper in the first half put the Lady Falcons ahead and they never looked back.

"A few minutes before that, my coach was like Sarah you have to shoot more," Reilly said. "I just found the opportunity and just shot it. I don't know how it went in."

As one of the top returning offensive players from last year, Reilly has taken it upon herself to lend a helping hand to the younger players.

"I guess I try to make them feel like a part of the team," Reilly said. "When I was a freshman, I knew that coming onto varsity was kind of scary. I just try to make them feel at home and a part of the team."

The Lady Falcons' defense was equally important against Kodiak Attack. Led by Jordan Kamp's nine saves in goal, the Lady Falcons produced their fourth shutout of the season.

As an incoming junior and Colonial League all-star last season in goal, Kamp is the head of the Lady Falcons' defense that allowed just 11 goals in eight regular season games.

"I think it's been a progression the full year," Kamp said of the team's defense following the win over Kodiak Attack. "Coming off of high school, we didn't train at all together. We had some open gyms here and there.

"I'm really proud of the younger girls for stepping in, not being timid, and just being a part of the team."

CSG Falcons White also secured a spot in the playoffs, but their run came to an end against CSG Falcons Blue last Wednesday, 3-1.

"Coach [Victor DeOliveria] and I were just talking, and I don't remember a girls team ever being in a summer league final," Babyak said. "I don't even think we were ever in a semifinal before."