First half goals doom Stallions

Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune Madera South’s Jimena Gutierrez (24) joins in the celebration of Jasmine Salazar’s (18) goal in a loss to Bullard.

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The Bullard-Fresno Knights used three goals in the first half to upend the Madera South girls soccer team, 3-1, in a County/Metro Athletic Conference match at Lee DaSilva Field in Memorial Stadium.

“I thought they played a good game,” Madera South head coach Ramon Delgadillo said. “They stayed focused and we battled throughout the game. I’m proud of them.”

Madera South came out firing early after Brielle Bitter and Jasmine Salazar hooked up for the Stallions lone goal of the game Wednesday.

Bitter galloped down the heart of the pitch before firing a low ball to her teammate Salazar, who made the intelligent run. Salazar collected the ball and accurately slotted the ball home from inside the penalty area for the finish.

Although the Stallions showed their attacking prowess, an equalizing goal and a subsequent second goal, swung the momentum towards Bullard.

Just before the half ended, the Knights capitalized on a corner that saw Khylia Dejean score a last-minute goal before halftime.

The Stallions had a few chances in the second half but couldn’t come away with the points.

Rachel Ramirez tried to bring her team back by herself with a long-range effort from 20 yards out. She recollected possession for the Stallions before turning around and firing away. The ball swerved to the right of the goal and out.