Lathrop’s boys soccer team handled business Friday at Bennie Gatto Field, routing Beyer 5-0 to remain in the hunt for the Western Athletic Conference title..

The Spartans (4-1-3 WAC, 8-6-4 overall) have a make-up match with Johansen today at home, and another win inches them closer to first-place Grace Davis.

Coach Alfredo Reynaga believes his team is ready to peak, as it nears full strength. It recently welcomed Javier Salazar, who played limited minutes Friday and still managed to contribute a goal.

“He made an impact from the get-go,” Reynaga said. “The kid is a talent, and we’re excited to have him there with Ociel (Mora) up top. At one point tonight, I had seven starters on the bench. It’s nice to have a talented roster.”

Mora contributed one goal and two assists. Andres Garcia set the tone for the Spartans’ dominant outing, striking twice for goals in the opening minutes.

Joerge Garcia had one goal and one assist. Carlos Santos and Reyli Villalpando pitched in with one assist each. The Spartans totaled 18 shots, and sophomore goalkeeper Josue Navarro came up with five saves.

VARSITY GIRLS

East Union 6, Central Catholic 0

The Lancers (1-2-2, 4-9-4 overall) may be hitting their stride as they hit the halfway point of the Valley Oak League season.

On Friday, they had their way against a Central Catholic side (0-4-1, 5-7-2) that has played other teams in the league tough.

Jenna Campbell and Chelsea Keathley each scored a brace, while Giselle Hamilton and Kaylee Mejia added one goal apiece. Chloe Silva racked up four assists. Madelynn Miske earned the clean sheet with a standout defensive effort from Kaylee Hutzler in front of her.

“We just keep trying to build momentum from game to game and push to be better,” EU coach Jason Silva said while also lauding the recent improvement of the team’s attack.

The Lancers tied Kimball 4-4 on Wednesday. Coming into the week, their East Union’s season high for goals scored in a match was four (twice).

Ripon Christian 1, Gustine 0

The host Knights (5-0-2, 11-2-3 overall) came through for another big win in Southern Athletic League play. The last time they faced Gustine, the two teams finished in a scoreless draw.

Kate Vander Veen, assisted by Addison De Jong, put away the difference-making goal. The Knights totaled 27 shots.

Junior varsity boys

Lathrop 5, Beyer 0

The Spartans had five different goal scorers in Josue Aguirre, Luis Mora, Isaac Reynaga, Omar Rodriguez and Luis Mora.