Stallions unable to control Broncos
Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune Madera South’s Juana Hernandez battles with a Clovis North defender for possession during Tuesday’s non-conference match in Memorial Stadium.
The Madera South girls soccer team failed to make possessions count after they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Clovis North at Lee Dasilva Field in Memorial Stadium.
“I think we played really well,” Madera South head coach Ramon Delgadillo said. “We’ve had a lot of improvement from game one against Reedley when we lost 4-1. We’re playing much better and I think we are very competitive.
“Little by little, we’re going to catch up and make a really good run for the CMAC.”
Although Delgadillo lacks the experience he had at his disposal last year, he believes with a little extra work, they can overcome their inexperience.
“I think so, I have seven freshmen and three sophomores, but I think we’ll be ready,” he said. “It’s going to take more hard work this year than in the past but I think we can accomplish things.”
Although the Stallions came off a seven-goal domination of Chowchilla in their previous match, they faced a Broncos team unwilling to give in Tuesday night.
Throughout the first half, Madera South weren’t able to really take over. The Stallions showed pace and intent with balls down the flank, but couldn’t find the final answer.
The Broncos, on the other hand, cashed in early in the first half in what would be the lone score of the night.
The Broncos midfielder latched onto a pass by her teammate, dragging a Stallion defender with her. Unfortunately for the Stallions, Clovis North read the play and set themselves up in the open area, just inside the penalty box.
A low cross was sent in and was promptly buried in the the back of the net before the Stallion defenders and goalkeeper could react.
Although this year’s team has new faces and a new look, Delgadillo believes his team will prove themselves and hopefully a leader will step up in the process.
“Right now we are pretty even,” Delgadillo said. Everyone is working really hard to be a leader. As far as someone stepping up, I’m really hoping that one of the girls takes the initiative to put their team on their back.”
