Toros lose in semis by penalty kicks

Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune

Matilda Torres’ Emma Velasquez celebrates her go-ahead goal in the final minutes of Friday’s Div. III semifinal playoff match with Kerman. Celebrating with Velasquez are Zulema Solis (19) and Elihanna Gallegos (9). Unfortunately, Kerman tied the match, and won in penalty kicks.

---

The Matilda Torres Toros girls soccer team was about five minutes away from playing for their second straight Central Section championship. 

However, disaster struck with a non-cleared ball and the Kerman Lions took advantage. They drew a foul from about 40 yards out and got the ball into the back of the net to tie the score with a minute left in the Div. III semifinal match. 

Both teams went scoreless in overtime and the third-seeded Lions outscored the second-seeded Toros, 5-3, in the penalty kick shootout to advance to the Div. III championship match.