The Valley Oak League soccer standings will have plenty of time to officially shape up, but they definitely made the first shift after Kimball High’s 2-0 win over the visiting Manteca Buffaloes Thursday in the conference opener.

The Buffaloes were locked in an evenly matched contest over the game’s first 40 minutes, but with the swiftness of a shifting feather, one Kimball score would practically secure the victory.

Adaurie Dayak scored first in the 46th minute, and Maya Lopez struck in the 50th.

“The first half the action was pretty even, just back-and-forth,” Manteca head coach Justin Coenenberg said. “You kind of had one of those feelings that whoever was able to score first was more than likely going to win.

“They came out and scored off a deflection about 15 minutes into the second half; after that they gained some momentum.”

The challenge won’t get any easier for the Buffaloes, as they host an always-tough Oakdale High club Tuesday, followed by a visit from the Sierra Timberwolves.

East Union 7, Lathrop 0

The Lancers racked up a ton of shots and their share of goals, but it was far from a runaway Thursday in the VOL win.

East Union (1-0) got two goals and a pair of assists from Isela Rivera, and two goals from Madeline Ysalva. The Lancers only led 3-0 at the half and needed to push through an early second half lull to get going.

“That was the best team I have seen at Lathrop High,” East Union head coach Jim Todd said. “We were scoreless the first 15 minutes of the second half.

“Lathrop played us tougher than the score indicates.”

Both Erika Da Silva and Marissa King both tallied a goal and an assist for the Lancers. Alexandra Lecce also netted a shot, while Meghan Wallace, Bella Rivera and Isabella Cardenas had assists.

East Union outshot Lathrop 36-1, with the Lathrop keeper posting 16 saves.

East Union will be back on the pitch Tuesday when they host the Kimball Jaguars.