Things are only going to get tougher for the O'Neal girls' soccer team.

The Falcons' three-game winning streak ended Thursday with a 2-0 loss to Fayetteville Academy, despite playing its best game of the season, according to coach Ted Hassenfelt.

"This is the best we've played all year," Hassenfelt said. "This team has rolled through everybody in conference, 6-, 7-, 8- to nothing, and we hung in and had out opportunities."

Junior midfielder Gloria Douglas scored twice -- once in each half -- to give the defending state runner-up the win, improving the Eagles to 11-2-1 on the season.

The Falcons (3-1, 2-1) will take to the road next week to play defending state champion Cary Christian and Cape Fear Academy, a team they will likely battle for second place in the conference behind Fayetteville Academy.

Thursday, The Falcon defense controlled the high-powered Eagle offense much of the game. Douglas' first goal came early in the first half on an outstanding individual effort. Her second came when Falcon keeper Cristina Morcum stopped her on a breakaway, but was unable to control the rebound. Douglas stepped over the sliding Morcum and kicked the ball into the empty net with 11:46 remaining in the first half.

Aside from that, Morcum and the Falcon defense was solid, and when they did give up a chance, Morcum was there, making two brilliant saves late in the game.

Offensively, The Falcons controlled the ball much of the first half in the midfield. And when they were able to advance the ball into the Eagle end, the Falcons generated some good scoring chances.

Hassenfelt said his team can grow from the experience, knowing that they played with one of the top teams in the state.

"This team has been in the state finals the last three years," Hassenfelt said of Fayetteville Academy. "We have some things to work on, but we will get there. This was a good game for us."