The East Union High boys’ varsity soccer squad got off on the right foot in Tuesday’s Valley Oak League opener.

The Lancers scored early against Central Catholic at Dino Cunial Field while rolling to a 4-1 victory.

“We played a possession game,” EU coach Ronnie Green said. “We waited for our shots to open up.”

Senior forward Giovanni Padilla took advantage of those opportunities, scoring two twice while also coming up with an assist.

His first goal came at the 30-minute mark on a feed by Noe Martinez.

The Lancers (1-0 VOL, 4-2-2) made it 2-0 about a minute later on Jonathan Ponce’s goal. Alex Arroyo was credited with the assist.

At the 41st minute, the junior midfielder Ponce added to the lead, cashing in on Padilla’s pass.

Padilla’s second goal occurred in the 46th minute. Eduardo Gonzalez got the assist.

Senior Edwin Mata, who played center back, once again keyed the defense.

Next up for the Lancers will be visiting Oakdale on Thursday. 

Manteca 1, 

Oakdale 1

OAKDALE – The Buffaloes played stellar defense in their VOL opener.

In the draw, the Mustangs scored on a direct kick in the first half. Manteca (0-0-1 VOL, 1-3-2) tied it on Brian Sanchez’s direct kick in the second half.

“It was a good game,” said Buffaloes coach Daniel Guevara, who also praised the efforts of his goal keeper Shawn Sterns.

He came away with four saves.

Manteca will travel to Central Catholic on Thursday.

Weston Ranch 9, Kimball 1

STOCKTON – The Cougars scored six times in the second half in Tuesday’s league opener against visiting Kimball.

“Recently, we were able to create a lot of scoring opportunities but not able to finish,” said Weston Ranch coach Francisco Cisneros. “We spent more time practicing (on finishing) and it paid off today.”

The Cougars (1-0 VOL, 5-3) took a 3-0 lead in the first half.

Elvin Bolanos scored two goals and had an assist to lead the charge. Ariel Morales also netted a pair of scores.

Robert Gonzalez and Kevin Urrita tallied a goal and an assist each while Jesus Vargas and Jose Estrada both accounted for a score.

In addition, Elmer Figeroa and Angel Pantoja had an assist apiece and goalie Francisco Vega came up with two saves.

Kimball (0-1 VOL, 4-4-1) came up with a score in the second half.

Weston Ranch will be one of four teams in this weekend’s Pittman tournament.

Patterson 5, Lathrop 0

The Spartans were shutout by visiting Patterson of the Central California Conference on Tuesday.

Lathrop (0-7) is scheduled to kick off Western Athletic Conference play on Friday at Pacheco.