Stallions unable to hold on in overtime vs. CE
Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune
Madera South midfielder Javier Buenrostro (5) tries to dribble around Clovis East defenders during Monday’s overtime loss.
After an important 2-1 win against the Buchanan Bears prior, the Madera South Stallions boys soccer team was unable to keep the momentum going after a close, 3-2 loss to the Clovis East Timberwolves in overtime.
The Timberwolves came into the match undefeated, but the Stallions gave the Clovis natives a lot to think about.
Madera South’s Raul Arzola and Gerardo Beccera led the way as they chipped in a goal apiece, but it wasn’t enough as a late strike in overtime allowed the visitors to leave Monday’s match with the victory.
Age has been a theme for the Stallions this year with a small group of seniors and a large group of underclassmen, but this season the team has been more than able to meet the moment.
Monday’s match showed glimpses not only of the talent within the Madera South ranks with the County/Metro Athletic Conference season around the corner.
Madera South’s Beccera had himself a day. Along with the goal, the Stallion playmaker knifed his way through Clovis East defenders at will.
In the first half, Beccera showed his pace and control with a dominant run. The Stallion intercepted a pass at the midfield mark before galloping 30 yards down the field before he was fouled in the Clovis East final third.
Luis Diaz took the free kick from 20 yards out and nearly snuck the ball in high over the keeper but the Timberwolves were able to react, saving a goal.
Clovis East returned the favor with point-blank chance at Stallions’ goalkeeper Ishmal Ambriz, but Ambriz stood tall to deny Clovis East the opening goal.
A ball into the box deflected off both a Stallion and a Timberwolves’ forward and into the air. The ball caused both teams to react, nearly sending the ball into the Stallions’ net during the confusion.
That wasn’t the first big save Ambriz had in the first half as he saved a free kick from 20 yards out early in the match.
As the half winded down, Ambriz linked up with Raul Arzola as he booted a ball over 30 yards down the field.
The ball bounced into the East final third as Arzola raced under the ball, but couldn’t find the right contact as the ball bounced high, forcing a header over the keeper.
Unfortunately, the ball didn’t reach his target as the Timberwolves cleared the ball out of danger.
The teams went into the half tied 0-0, but that didn’t last long as the Timberwolves scored early in the second half. Madera South didn’t panic as they leveled things just 12 minutes later in the 65th minute.
Madera South orchestrated a devastating counter attack as Javier Buenrostro served his teammate up on a platter with a perfect pass to Beccera streaking up field, looking for the equalizer.
The Stallions battled to a 1-1 score, but there was still much to come from both clubs in extra time.
Madera South and Clovis East were determined to take the victory after 80 minutes of back and forth, high-intensity soccer.
However, in the end, Madera South couldn’t overcome two goals in extra time despite a penalty goal by Arzola.
Despite the 3-2 loss in extra time to Clovis East and a narrow 1-0 loss to the Central Grizzlies on Wednesday, Madera South looks battled tested and ready for a new league year.
