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Lathrop records first-ever win over Manteca
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LATHROP — The 15th time was the charm for Lathrop High’s boys soccer team.

Miguel Chavez’s second-half penalty kick was the difference for the Spartans in their 3-2 win over Manteca on Wednesday. Not only is it their first Valley Oak League victory of the season, but also their first-ever win against the Buffaloes. Manteca came into the match with a 10-0-4 all-time record against the Spartans, according to MaxPreps.

“The kids are excited,” Lathrop coach Alfredo Reynaga said. “We’re a little disappointed because we missed some opportunities we should have capitalized on, but we’re happy to come out with the win.”

Lathrop (1-2-0 VOL, 4-6-1 overall) grabbed early momentum with back-to-back goals. Ronaldo Macias was involved with both, scoring the first off an assist from Christian Cardenas and then setting up Luis Vargas’.

Manteca (0-4-0) did not go away quietly, answering with both of its goals in quick succession in the final minutes of the first half. Cardenas set up the go-ahead goal in the second half for Lathrop, as he was taken out in the penalty box on a breakaway.

“Manteca kept fighting and showed a lot of heart,” Reynaga said. “It was a very good game, very intense and back and forth We made some crucial mistakes and the momentum shifted toward the end of the first half. It caught us by surprise. We had to regroup and came out in the second half with some urgency.”

Lathrop will look to keep it rolling against first-place Lathrop on Friday.

Weston Ranch 1, Oakdale 1

STOCKTON — Weston Ranch (3-1-1, 3-8-3) was close to securing a pivotal three points that would keep it within reach of East Union in the VOL standings, but Dayne Stutervant came through for Oakdale (2-1-1, 5-6-3) with the equalizer in the 69th minute.

Devon Alvarenga earlier gave the Cougars the lead in the 50th. Ariel Silva was credited with the assist. Francisco Vega collected five saves.

“For the most part we played well and with high intensity,” Weston Ranch coach Francisco Cisneros said. “We had a few chances we could have put away. They kept coming back, so credit to them for continuing to play hard as well. A 1-1 draw is a fair score considering how intense the match was.”

Sierra 3, Central Catholic 1

MODESTO — Miguel Villasenor came through for Sierra (4-1-0, 8-4-1) with two goals and assist. The Timberwolves had a 12-3 advantage in shots in the first half but could only muster a single goal.

Kevin Mendiola assisted Villasenor’s goals in the 33rd and 44th minutes and made his own in the 56th. 

East Union 2, Kimball 0

TRACY — The Lancers (4-0-0, 12-3-1) struggled take advantage of their opportunities as they outshot Kimball (1-3-1, 2-7-1), 24-4.

Jesus Hurtado finally broke through in the 55th and 77th minutes, converting off give-and-go plays with Jacob Garcia.

Frosh-soph

Sierra 7, Central Catholic 0

MODESTO — Adib Guedoir racked up three goals and an assist in the one-sided win for Sierra.

Aaron Sandburg, Eduardo McCarns, Kevin Hernandez and Andrew Banegas each chipped in in a goal. Jose Hernandez and David Garcia had one assist each. Back-up goalie Jorge Silva, filling in for injured Lorenzo Reyes, tallied his second shutout in three apperances.

East Union 6, Kimball 0

TRACY — Alex Arroyo posted a hat trick, while Alberto Gomez, Gabriel Gutierrez and Louis Ruvalcaba added one goal apiece for the unbeaten Lancers (4-0-0, 14-0-2). Goalie Fernando Ambriz recorded the shutout.