Stallions hit seven in win over Hawks
Wendy Alexander/The madera Tribune Madera South’s Christian Garcia controls the ball in the middle during the Stallions’ 7-1 victory over Liberty. Garcia scored two goals in the win.
It was one of those days for the Madera South Stallions boys soccer team.
Seven goals and enough chances to satisfy a few games, the Stallions put in a complete performance against the Liberty Hawks at Liberty on Dec. 21.
“It was one of those nights,” Madera South head coach Enrique Garcia said. “We haven’t played Liberty in a while, so it was nice to them out on the pitch. They gave us a fight and congratulations to them. I think they are going to have a great year.
“But the boys were hungry and ready for the second half. We’re used to playing this late, we train this late, our boys were ready to compete.”
A hat trick from Angel Avila and three assists from Carlos Cardenas powered the Stallions to two goals in the first half and five in the second.
Christian Garcia, Christian Meza and Cardenas also contributed to the goal scoring effort. Although the Stallions were clicking, a talk from coach Fernando Delgadillo set the team straight for a dominant second half.
“I give the credit to Coach Fernando at halftime,” Garcia said. “The speech he gave them to let them know what they were doing wrong in the first half and then to have the boys execute in the second half really gave us what we needed to win.”
The Stallions’ four different goal scorers epitomized a night where Madera South flowed as a team. From the simple passes, the communication and the overall effort, Madera South was determined for a victory regardless of who had the misfortune of sharing the pitch that night.
Garcia, the usual suspect, contributed two goals, including a penalty kick, but it was Avila and Cardenas to who shined the brightest.
With three assists, Cardenas dominated the match. His vision and anticipation allowed the Stallions to stretch their legs and show just how potent their forwards can be. The sophomore midfielder now has five assists and three goals in 10 matches.
His beneficiary, Avila, proved that when a team is playing a selfless brand of football, the goals can come from any position.
The captain and defender exhibited a relentless effort on both sides of the pitch. Not only stifling the Hawks on the scoresheet, but also crippling them with his efficiency in front of goal. His brightest moment came in the second half where Avila curled in a long-range free kick to help Madera South to five goals in the half.
For the Hawks, their only score came on the combination of Jesus Ponce and Levi Ratzlaff. Liberty fought throughout the match but couldn’t overcome Madera South’s energy.
Garcia showcased his nose for goal as he dribbled into the Hawks’ penalty area.
With a one-goal lead to open the game, Garcia took his chance to push the lead, but was cut down in the box. Madera South won the penalty in the 25th minute.
After taking the knock, Garcia stepped up and slammed the ball into the back of the net.
Liberty answered just before halftime in the 44th minute as Ponce found Ratzlaff inside the penalty box for the close-range shot.
The Stallions entered the break up a goal 2-1, but Madera South was intent on more goals.
Madera South scored five goals in the second half, including three goals in the final minutes of the match. After two goals in the first half by Garcia and Avila, the pair continued their effort with three more goals combined in the second half.
Meza and Cardenas also put one in the back of the net, ending any comeback attempt by the Hawks.
