Visiting Sierra scored four minutes into the game and Manteca responded with four minutes left in the first half, and that score would hold the rest of the way for a 1-1 tie in Valley Oak League girls soccer action at Guss Schmiedt Field.
Tiana Cello got the Timberwolves (4-0-1) on the board when she worked her way through the Buffaloes defense for an early lead.
“Zoe Willson got the ball into me and I turned because I didn’t see anyone on my back,” Cello said. “I was outside the 18 and I cut past two players and I saw the goalie was to the right off her line so I shot the goal.”
Sierra coach Manuel Pires lamented his team’s inability to take advantage of its opportunities.
“It was a good battle,” Pires said. “Both teams had some chances and I thought we had a few more opportunities to put the game away. We kind of let up a little bit toward the end of the first half and in the second half we were able to kind of step it up a bit and hold the challenge but create some good chances and we didn’t finish.
“If we don’t score, if we don’t put the ball in the net, it doesn’t count.”
Cameron Silva knotted the score at 1-1 for Manteca (6-0-1) late in the first half when she made up for missing earlier opportunities.
“We were pushing to get a goal,” Silva said. “We had a lot of through balls, we were just missing opportunities. Jordyn Sylva got me a really good through ball and I was happy it went in because I missed an earlier chances.
“It was a very physical match — both ways. We both had opportunities but credit Sierra as they stuck with us.”
Buffaloes coach Justin Coenenberg saw this as his team’s first big test of the year.
“It was a great game,” Coenenberg said. “I thought both sides played well. Without having the non-league, we haven’t been able to test ourselves and play a game like this all season. This is our first really big test and I am pleased with how we played.
“At different points we out-possessed them and at some points they out-possessed us. Both sides had good counters. We had some opportunities to put them away and unfortunately we didn’t make it happen. Our girls left everything on that field.”
East Union 7, Escalon 1
Hailey Sims scored three goals for the Lancers with Celeste Guerrero, Jenna Campbell, Tallon Cervantez and Taylor McMahon each chipping in one goal.
Junior varsity
Sierra 2, Manteca 1
Peyton Flores and Lindsey Rose each scored a goal for the Timberwolves with assists from Jenni Nassyan and Presley Perez, respectively.
East Union 7, Escalon 0
Cassidy Pearson and Madelynn Miske both preserved the shutout playing a half each in the goal for the Lancers.
Chelsea Keathley and Stefany Perez tallied two goals each for East Union. Erika Romo, Carlee Canady and Ashley Vasquez added one goal apiece.
