It was a physical battle between two top programs, but nothing was left settled in a big Valley Oak League showdown between East Union and visiting Oakdale at Dino Cunial Field Thursday.
After controlling the first half, East Union eventually succumbed to the Mustangs’ relentless second-half attack and had to settle for a 1-1 tie.
Bryanna Welch scored off a free kick from Lexi Seese with six minutes to go for Oakdale (0-0-1, 7-2-1 overall).
The Lancers (1-0-1, 6-2-2) struck in the 35th minute when Kianna Lamont’s goal kick found its way to fleet-footed Megan Howley, who broke away from the pack for an easy score.
“I would say we owned the first half with control and opportunities, but we couldn’t close the deal,” said East Union coach Jim Todd, whose team outshot Oakdale 5-1 in the first half but lost that battle 11-6 by game’s end. “In the second half they were beating us to the ball, and some of our injuries from the clash were taking a toll.”
The Lancers came off a 1-0 league-opening win over Sonora on the road. A win Thursday would have kept East Union in step with Sierra, a 4-2 winner over Manteca, for the league’s top spot.
East Union will have a chance to close the gap next week when it takes on Sierra on March 25, but first is Ceres on the road Tuesday. Sierra has to play Sonora and Oakdale next week before facing the Lancers.
Lathrop (0-2) trailed 2-0 at halftime but had opportunities to keep the score close.
“It was actually a competitive game in light of the score,” Lathrop coach Ryan Biedermann said. “We had a lot of opportunities and shots on goal, and we played pretty well.”
After controlling the first half, East Union eventually succumbed to the Mustangs’ relentless second-half attack and had to settle for a 1-1 tie.
Bryanna Welch scored off a free kick from Lexi Seese with six minutes to go for Oakdale (0-0-1, 7-2-1 overall).
The Lancers (1-0-1, 6-2-2) struck in the 35th minute when Kianna Lamont’s goal kick found its way to fleet-footed Megan Howley, who broke away from the pack for an easy score.
“I would say we owned the first half with control and opportunities, but we couldn’t close the deal,” said East Union coach Jim Todd, whose team outshot Oakdale 5-1 in the first half but lost that battle 11-6 by game’s end. “In the second half they were beating us to the ball, and some of our injuries from the clash were taking a toll.”
The Lancers came off a 1-0 league-opening win over Sonora on the road. A win Thursday would have kept East Union in step with Sierra, a 4-2 winner over Manteca, for the league’s top spot.
East Union will have a chance to close the gap next week when it takes on Sierra on March 25, but first is Ceres on the road Tuesday. Sierra has to play Sonora and Oakdale next week before facing the Lancers.
Central Valley 4, Lathrop 1
LATHROP — Dominique Caceras bent in a cornerkick with 15 minutes to go, scoring Lathrop’s first-ever varsity goal in VOL play Thursday.Lathrop (0-2) trailed 2-0 at halftime but had opportunities to keep the score close.
“It was actually a competitive game in light of the score,” Lathrop coach Ryan Biedermann said. “We had a lot of opportunities and shots on goal, and we played pretty well.”
— Jonamar Jacinto
