Manteca’s boys soccer team has been at its best in the second half of late.

The Buffaloes continued the trend Monday in a 3-1 Valley Oak League win over visiting Oakdale. 

Trailing by a goal at halftime, Manteca (3-3 VOL, 8-6-1 overall) tied it early in the second half when Cesar Torres set up Alexis Ochoa for the equalizer following a corner kick.

Aron Navarrette — who scored four goals in a comeback win over Lathrop last Thursday — then put Manteca up for good with a penalty kick. Elvis Jimenez later received a pass from Everardo Velasquez to seal the big win that keeps the Buffaloes in contention one of the four Sac-Joaquin Section playoff berths.

Goalie Matsua Garcia-Mendez racked up eight saves, and Manteca outshot the Mustangs (3-2-2, 9-5-2), 13-12.

“We’ve been playing well and getting better every game,” Manteca coach Justin Coenenberg said. “The guys are working hard in practice, so it’s nice to see it come together and pay off. Hopefully we can take this and build off it.”

It’s the start of an important week for the Buffs, who will look to avenge a one-goal loss to Central Catholic on Wednesday. And on Saturday they’ll travel across town to face East Union for a make-up match.

Sierra 9, Lathrop 3

LATHROP — David Lopez scored three goals, and Joel Lemus tallied four assists in a bounce-back win for the Timberwolves (7-1, 13-5-1). They’re coming off Saturday’s loss to rival East Union.

Chris Cortez, Eddie Aguilar and Kevin Mendiola each added two goals in the onslaught. Sierra built a 4-0 halftime lead after Aguilar opened the floodgates in the 2nd minute.

Luis Angel Vargas, Victor Enriquez and Ronaldo Macias scored second-half goals for Lathrop (0-6-1, 4-9-2).

East Union 7,

Central Catholic 1

MODESTO — Victor Hurtado finished with two goals and an assist, and his brother Jesus contributed two goals of his own as the Lancers (6-0-1, 11-1-3) rolled to a lopsided victory.

Daniel Gomez had a goal and two assist, and Jacob Garcia chipped in one of each. Giovanni Padilla also scored a goal. 

Weston Ranch 4, Kimball 1

TRACY — Down 1-0 at halftime, the Cougars (1-4-2, 3-8-5) got their attack going on set pieces.

Robert Gonzalez tied it with an Olympic goal and struck again minutes later with a free kick. Andy Cadis extended the lead by converting his own free kick, and Bryant Ortiz capped the barrage off an assist from Manuel Medina. Francisco Vega collected eight saves at goal.

Frosh-soph

Sierra 5, Lathrop 1

Adib Guedoir scored twice, and Sierra got one each from Josh Valdez, David Garza and Tristan Gonzalez.

TVL GIRLS

Ripon 5, Mountain House 0

MOUNTAIN HOUSE — The Indians (3-1, 7-4-1) won by a 5-0 score for a third time against Trans-Valley League opponents.

Cindy Alvarez had a hand in the first two goals in the 16th and 17th minutes. She first delivered a backwards pass to Bella Helppie to open scoring, then sent a through ball to set up Aubree Pelon. Alvarez then converted a goal herself after an indirect kick. Tianna Sidtikun and Maddie Pugh padded the lead with goals in the second half.