After an early free-kick goal, the high-octane East Union offense could not manage another goal until the game’s last minute but Sierra did not take advantage of multiple scoring opportunities and lost to the visiting Lancers 2-0 Monday in Valley Oak League soccer action at Daniel Teicheira Memorial Stadium.

“I was very proud the way our team played,” Sierra coach Manuel Pires said. “We battled and we made them work really hard. This was not an easy game for them to come in here and win. We didn’t let them behind us that much and then they got that second goal at the end but the first one was too easy of a goal.”

What was frustrating for Pires is that twice his team had open-net looks. One hit off the inside of the post and bounced back into the field and a good defensive recovery by the East Union’s Rosalie Ravelo kept the second threat out of the Lancers net.

“This is definitely a game where we could have got out of here with some points and we should have,” Pires said. “We created at least three very good scoring opportunities that should have given as goals. You have to put those opportunities away against a good team like this because you won’t get very many of them.”

Ilena Rivera got East Union (9-0 VOL, 12-0) on the board when she powered in a free kick from 20 yards out in the 12thminute. In the 79th minute she broke loose and got an insurance goal to put the game away.

“The free kick was a lucky one because it went through her legs,” Rivera said. “The second one I got off of a through ball.”

East Union coach Victor Polanco knows that the defense for the Timberwolves (2-5-2, 5-11-3) was playing at a high level while his team was not playing at its best.

“I think we were a little relaxed,” Polanco said. “We were working hard and taking shots, but their goalie (Emma Broderick) was there all the time. It was a tough game.”

Broderick had a good supporting cast in front of her to include center back Jordyn Costa.

“I am really proud of us,” Costa said. “Last game we played them they beat us 5-1 and I am proud we never gave up.

“For a while we have had our ups and downs but today we worked as a team.”

Frosh-soph

Sierra 3, East Union 3

With just four minutes remaining Jenny Rivera scored on a direct kick for the Timberwolves to force the tie.

Hailey Tavares had assists to Rivera and Daisy Valencia.

Skyler Treacy had a goal and an assist for the Lancers. Teammates Emma Ott and Paige Gines each added a goal.