Nursing a one-goal lead midway through the second half Lathrop was called for a red card, leaving the Spartans boys short-handed for the rest of the game with tournament host East Union. The Lancers could not capitalize, and Lathrop hung on for a 1-0 win to start the second day of the Ervin Mendiola Memorial Classico at Woodward Park on Saturday.

“We felt like we could keep control of the game,” Spartans coach Alfred Reynaga said. “We got a little frustrated on the red-card call, but the safety of the kids is the priority, and even though I was frustrated at the moment I can understand that call.

“So, we just made an adjustment and played with a false nine. We had to adapt. They had a little momentum but we just had to keep our composure and come out of here with the win.”

Adrian Montanez got Lathrop (2-2-2) on the board 13 minutes in when he took a pass from Alan Hernandez and found the net for what proved to be the only goal of the contest.

“The ball just came my way,” Montanez said. “I shot it hoping for the best and it went in.”

Julian Ceja posted a clean sheet for the Spartans with four saves, three coming in the second half.

“It felt great,” Ceja said. “It was a good match.

“I thought some of their free kicks were going to go in but I was able to stop them.”

The Lancers (5-3) had problems getting their attack going with just five total shots.

“This was not our strongest game of the year,” East Union coach Ronnie Green said. “We just couldn’t finish. We didn’t create a lot of opportunities today.”

The two teams split in their last games in the tournament. The Lancers downed Ripon (4-6) in a shootout 1-1 (4-3) and Lathrop lost 3-1 to Valley (5-0-2) of Sacramento.

The Spartans and Vikings were tied 1-1 at halftime and Valley scored two unanswered goals in the second half. Alan Hernandez scored the Lathrop goal and Ceja made three saves.

East Union hosts Grace Davis on Tuesday night at 6:15 and the Spartans open the Buff Cup at Manteca High on Friday at 11:30 a.m. against Sierra.

Girls

Sierra 1, East Union 1 (4-3)

The Timberwolves (6-0-1) missed their first penalty kick but nailed the next four to claim the tournament championship.

“This game was a challenge for us,” Sierra coach Manuel Pires said. “The girls did a great job. We tied in the morning against Tokay – our first tie for the season, 0-0 – but we won our group and that put us in the finals. East Union won the other group and went to the finals for two local rivalry teams competing in the finals. It was great.”

Maitland Kohoutek got Sierra on the board in the first half on an assist from Hailey Cruz. The Lancers (3-2-1) also scored in the first half with both teams being held scoreless in the second half.

Gabriela Heredia scored the East Union goal on an assist from Kaylee Mejia. Kadence Rossi made seven saves for the Lancers.

Timberwolves goalie Amaya Pacheco blocked one penalty kick and was named goalkeeper of the tournament, allowing the least amount of goals in the two-day affair.

Lodi placed third.

On Tuesday Sierra hosts Gregori at 6:15 p.m. and the East Union hosts Pitman at 6:30 p.m.

Sierra 0, Tokay 0

The Timberwolves got off 18 shots against the Tigers (1-0-3) – 13 on goal – but could not find the net.

Mele Sanchez posted five saves for Sierra.

East Union 2, El Capitan 0

Sophia Estacio and Larissa Harries scored a goal apiece for the Lancers while Addyson Soulier and Gabriela Heredia each dished out an assist.

Junior Varsity

Sierra 4, East Union 2

Kaylee Rodriguez scored all four goals for the Timberwolves (6-0-1) who downed the Lancers (4-2) for the championship.

Abigail Fraser assisted Rodriguez twice with one assist apiece for Mikayla Mercier and Kylee Pimentel. Sierra’s Emma Patilla posted five saves.

Abigail Guevara and Cheyanne Hudson each scored a goal East Union with Sierra Dormer notching an assist. Makenna Miller made nine saves.

Sierra 5, Tokay 1

Rodriguez scored three goals for the Timberwolves with one apiece for Isabella Cruz and Abigail Fraser. Mercier and Ivy Sutton each had an assist.

Naveah Granato scored the lone goal for the Tigers (1-3) and Leslie Navarrete made nine saves.

East Union 1, El Capitan 0

Adriana Martinez scored the Lancers goal and Miller made three saves.