Buffalo girls soccer squad showing improvement

On their home field to kick off Tri-Valley Conference play Sept. 24, the Madras girls fell to Gladstone 6-2, but it was the first two-game game for the Buffs since the 2022 season.

Addy Adams was the player standing after two Gladstone defenders collided trying to defend her, and she buried a shot into the net near the end of the first half. In the second half, Madras scored off a corner kick scrum when Adams bodied in a rebound goal.

But Gladstone put together a good offensive attack in the first half to lead 4-1 at the break. The second half was more evenly played.

“I thought we battled really well. They play a very physical game that I don’t think our young girls were fully prepared for at first but then acclimated well in the second half,” said Darrow.

The coach noted strong play from Kiarel Reynoso and Daniela Estrada, being confident with the ball, finding space, and gaining positive possession.

The two goals against Gladstone were the most the Buffalos had scored against the Gladiators in Darrow’s nine seasons at the helm, said the coach, who added that only once in all the other games did Madras even score a goal.

“Our goals for the season are to focus on the process, continue to improve, and compete in every game. We are definitely showing that so far. It is a tough league but I’m hoping as we gain experience and continue to grow, we can stay even closer in some of these games,” said Darrow.

On Thursday, the Buffs traveled to take on The Dalles, which won a key opener in Crook County on Tuesday 2-0.

In another display of their improvement over last year’s winless, the Buffs loss just 3-0 to the third-ranked Riverhawks.

Up this week for the Buffs is a home game against Molalla on Tuesday at 6 p.m. and a match with fourth-ranked Crook County in Prineville Thursday at 5 p.m.

Tri-Valley Conference

Girls Soccer Standings

(State ranking, conference record, overall record)

The Dalles (3) — 2-0, 5-1

Molalla (15) — 1-1, 3-2-1

Gladstone (23) 2-0, 2-2-1

Crook County (4) 1-1, 3-1-2

Madras (25) 0-2, 0-5

Estacada (30) 0-2, 0-6

Tri-Valley Conference

Boys soccer standings

Crook County (2) 1-0, 4-0-1

Madras (6) 1-0, 3-2

Estacada (16) 1-0, 2-2-1

The Dalles (8) 0-1, 4-1

Molalla (21) 0-1, 2-2-1

Gladstone (26) 0-1, 2-3