Adrieanna Wood celebrated her 18th birthday in grand style on Wednesday.

The East Union High senior opened the game at goalie during her team’s 8-0 win over Lathrop, coming up with three saves in the first half.

In the second half, she had a chance to play offense. Wood, who goes by Anna, came through with a pair of scores, including one from 45 yards out.

“It was fun to get some action,” she said. “Sometimes, I don’t get that much (at goalie) since our defense does a good job at preventing scoring threats.”

Wood’s ability on offense came as no surprise to her coach Victor Polanco. “She can score when she gets her chance,” he said.

For Wood, the win coupled with the two goals – she had five scoring chances, with East Union, as team, getting 16 shots at goal – was the highlight of her birthday.

The Lancers (7-0 Valley Oak League, 10-0) wasted little time lighting up the scoreboard at Dino Cunial Field.

About 40 seconds into the game, Jenna Zuniga sprinted past the Spartan defense for the unassisted score.

Nearly 90 seconds later, the Lancers had a 2-0 as Clarissa Lecce netted an unassisted goal.

 Within six minutes, East Union was ahead 3-0 as Britney Moneyhun connected on the first of her two goals in the half.

The next one – also unassisted – took place on a breakaway before intermission, making it 4-0.

Lathrop (1-7, 5-13-1) made some second half adjustments, including playing Callia Morales-Linnell at goalie.

The senior aggressively challenged East Union, coming out of the box at times to serve as an extra defender.

The Spartans also got strong play from their outside backers Kim Vega and Luz Rodriguez, according to coach Gabe Padilla.

“I was pleased with the way we played (the Lancers),” he said. “The final score doesn’t show that we stayed with them pretty good.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our girls.”

Ilena Rivera added to her season tally by scoring twice for East Union in the second half. The sophomore now has 23 goals on the season.

Wood provided the other two goals.

Next up for East Union is rival Manteca High on Friday at Dino Cunial Field.

“It’s a big game and I know (the Buffaloes) will be ready for us,” said Wood.



Manteca 10, Weston Ranch 0

In Weston Ranch, the Buffaloes unleashed an early attack against the Cougars.

Leah Manuleleua’s opening goal took place 30 minutes into the game and was followed up by an Alexa Mayer score.

Manteca (5-0-1 in VOL, 14-1-1 overall) went up 3-0 as Jocelyn Reyes set up Kaitlynn Funsch for the score.

Morgan Gross did likewise for Funsch. Her second goal before the break made it 4-0.

For Weston Ranch (0-7, 0-12), the second half didn’t go any better.

Natalia Duran scored twice while Reyes, Avigail Mayen, Lejla Pepic, and Gross each connected on goals.

“We moved the ball real well,” said Buffaloes coach Justin Coenenberg. “I was also pleased at how we played especially after having four days off.”



Sierra 2, Central Catholic 2

In Modesto, Central Catholic tied the game at 2-2 with a goal that took place 15 minutes into the second half.

Sierra (1-4-2, 4-10-4) scored first thanks to Kaleigh Doyle’s unassisted goal early on.

The Raiders answered back to tie the game at 1-1. But the Timberwolves reclaimed that upper hand on Briana Oseguera’s first-half goal, giving Sierra a 2-1 edge.

“It was a good, tough game,” said Sierra coach Manuel Pires. “We had two good opportunities (in the second half) to take the lead.”