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Mantecas run done in second round
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Vanden’s defense was stingy during the quarterfinals of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III tournament Thursday night.

Manteca’s run came to an end, and its offense was held scoreless for the first time all season.

The Buffaloes (17-4-4) came up short 3-0 in the quarterfinals, and it was also the first time Manteca lost by more than a goal this season.

Vanden (17-0-1) turned a late first-half turnover by the Buffaloes into a counter and Steward Pimienta scored for the 1-0 advantage going into the break.

“They were a quality opponent,” Manteca head coach Justin Coenenberg said. “We battled, but unfortunately we couldn’t convert on our opportunities.”

The No. 5 seeded Buffaloes outshot the No. 4 seed 15-14. They were unable to score the equalizer in the second half as Vanden scored its last two goals in the final five minutes of regulation when Manteca was forced to gamble.

“It was actually a great game,” Coenenberg added. “I’m assuming (Vanden) will play Central Valley and I think they’ll definitely give them a good game. They have some extremely skilled players and their defense is really hard to crack.

“I was really proud of the way my guys played. They left it all on the field and that’s all you can ask for. It wasn’t for a lack of effort that’s for sure.”

Manteca’s senior goalie Abdiel Chiquito finished with eight saves.

Sophomore Braulio Solis had one of Manteca’s best shots on goal in the second half. Junior forward Marcus Montano set up the cross, but the shot was fired over the net high.

“It was a pretty good look,” Coenenberg concluded. “It wasn’t our best shooting night.”

Vanden will advance to the semifinals Wednesday to face No. 1 seeded Central Valley of Ceres, who is also ranked No. 2 in the state.

Central Valley defeated Rio Americano, 3-1.

The other semifinal game for Division III is Ceres vs. Christian Brothers. Ceres (No. 7) upset the VOL’s Oakdale 3-1 in penalty kicks to advance. Christian Bros. knocked out Patterson, 4-1.