East Union played in honor of a fallen teammate Thursday when it faced Sierra for a critical Valley Oak League match on Senior Night.
The Lancers played for each other. And soon, they’ll play for another championship.
Spearheaded by Giovanni Perez’s second hat trick of the week, they blew past the Timberwolves 4-0 to avenge one of their league defeats and remain in contention for the title.
East Union (7-2 VOL, 15-9-1 overall) caps the regular season next Tuesday against first-place Kimball back at Dino Cunial Field and will need to win for the outright crown. Sierra (6-2-1, 10-6-3) has been knocked out of the championship race and ends league play at home against Central Catholic.
Perez was among the 16 seniors recognized before the game Thursday. Included was Ervin Mendiola, whose No. 17 jersey was retired by the school. Mendiola passed away in October 2022 while training with his club team.
“I feel like a big part for today was retiring that jersey, just knowing that it’s going to be the last time on this field.” Perez said. “Honestly, we all played as a family today. We all played well, fed good balls and put them in the back this time. We’re playing for each other. It’s not individual work.”
All scoring contributors were seniors. Angel Guzman scored in the 20th minute, deflecting a cross from Preston Avila. Sophomore Ben Diaz and senior Alexis Berber were also involved in the buildup.
Perez struck in the 30th, 47th and 53rd minutes, and two of them were assisted by center midfielder Luis Mata.
Perez also had three goals Tuesday in East Union’s 4-3 victory at Oakdale.
“Today, our defense was playing too deep, and we had too much of a gap between them and the midfielders,” Sierra coach Joe Pires said. They had the big lanes and the opportunities, and with good players like (Perez), when you give them time they’re going to burn you.”
Although the Timberwolves had more shots, 16-9, the quality looks and possession belonged to East Union.
The rematch played out much differently than the Jan. 16 showdown won by Sierra 1-0 in wet and muddy conditions at Daniel Teicheira Memorial Stadium.
“The rain had a lot to do the last game against them, but they had us locked down,” Perez said. “We switched up the formation and just played our hearts out this time and left it out on the field.”
Senior goalkeeper Andres Garcia finished with seven saves, preserving the shutout with a diving save in the 64th minute. Sierra forced a turnover with its high press, but Emmanuel Ruiz’s breakaway shot was stuffed by Garcia.
Senior reserves began to checking in at around the 60th minute and continued the high-level play of the starters, even creating a few good scoring chances.
“Everybody played well tonight,” EU coach Ronnie Green said. “We came out wanting to win, and at the end of the game we wanted the shutout. The mentality was there for all 80 minutes. We’ve been giving up some goals lately when going to our bench, so it was nice to have the bench come in tonight, hold their own and do what they have to do.”
The Lancers have another shot at redemption when Kimball visits. Their two league losses came in three nights two weeks ago. After the loss at Sierra, East Union came up short at Kimball, 2-1.
“We have not lost yet on the new field this year, so the boys are ready and motivated to play Kimball here for the championship,” Green said. “It’s a championship night here at home. Can’t ask for anything more.”
Junior varsity
East Union 2, Sierra 0
Ricardo Cardozo scored both goals for East Union, which finishes atop the VOL standings for the seven straight season.
