Giovanni Marin provided the only score of the game as the Manteca High boys soccer squad eked out a 1-0 victory Thursday against Tokay.

In the 50th minute of the non-league match, the senior forward guided a deflected shot initiated by teammate Alex Hernandez, who was attempting a direct kick.

According to coach Justin Coenenberg, his Buffaloes had plenty of scoring opportunities. “We definitely had more shots at goal (than Tokay),” he said.

Defensively, Coenenberg praised the play of his two senior defensemen, Sergio Lopez and Brandon Basuil.

“This was our first game that we played on (synthetic) turf,” he added.

Manteca (2-3-1) will host Kimball in Monday’s Valley Oak League opener.

Central Valley 3, Sierra 1

The Timberwolves will have one more tune-up match prior to league play.

They’re scheduled to take on Tracy today at Daniel Teicheira Stadium in the non-league game.

Sierra (6-2-1) will also look to rebound from the loss against Central Valley.

“We tried to come back late in the game,” said coach Jose Montes, who got a goal from Joel Bolin in the 67th minute.

Amir Guedoir helped set up the score.

Defensively, Montes praised the play of freshman Juan Acosta.

“He did a good job playing the middle,” said Montes, who is looking to continue tweaking his lineup with some planned changes against Tracy.

Ceres 3, East Union 2

The Lancers let a 2-0 first-half lead slip away.

Part of the reason for that was the juggling of the lineup in the second half, according to assistant coach Al Green.

“We’re still trying to develop players,” he said. “That’s what we do during the preseason.”

East Union had an 11-2 first-half edge over Ceres in terms of shot attempts, with Miguel Barbosa, thanks to a long throw-in pass from Jordan Kron, scoring in the 12th minute.

In the 30th minute, midfielder Victor Garibay made it 2-0 for the Lancers. He was assisted on the goal by Scott Fisher.