It took a half for the Sierra boys soccer team to adjust to a different lineup as well as The Corral’s artificial turf at Oakdale, and the Timberwolves were able to escape with a 5-4 win Friday.

Audie Garza managed to stand out in the action-packed Valley Oak League tussle, scoring three goals. Sierra (3-0, 9-1-1 overall) trailed 4-3 at halftime.

“We were missing some of our starters, but the team stepped up,” Sierra coach Joe Pires said. “A couple breakdowns gave them breakaway goals and we got behind in the first half. But in the second half, we regrouped and got the two goals to take the win and three points.”

Emmanuel Ruiz and Emiliano Sanchez each contributed a goal and an assist for the T’wolves. Defender Juan Lara added an assist. Goalkeeper Aiden Dolin-Lira keyed the second-half shutout with some big saves.

Los Banos 4, Lathrop 3

In what is shaping up to be a wide-open race in the Western Athletic Conference, the Spartans (2-3-1, 4-8-4) came up short against visiting Los Banos (3-2-1, 9-2-1).

Reyli Villalpando had a goal and an assist, scoring on a free kick early in the second half to tie it at 2-2. Ociel Mora scored in the first half, and Angel Barajas put away Lathrop’s third goal off a cross. The Spartans totaled 11 shots, and goalie Jose Navarro picked up six saves.

VARSITY GIRLS

Ripon 2, Livingston 1

The Indians (4-0, 15-3 overall) wrapped up the first half of the Trans-Valley League season with a pivotal win on the road. Livingston (3-1, 9-3) has established itself as the chief challenger to Ripon’s throne.

Ripon tallied its goals late in the first half, and Ines Rodriguez contributed to both. In the 32nd minute, she delivered an indirect kick that Jaydin Kroutil put away with a header. Later, Rodriguez lofted a through ball into the box, and Katie Martin was there to double the lead.

Livingston answered in the 48th minute. Ellena Parenti-Gomez came up with five saves in Ripon’s goal. The Indians held a 14-8 shot advantage.

Junior varsity boys

Sierra 7, Oakdale 1

Anthony Napals and Hugo Reyes fired two goals apiece for Sierra. Esteban Franco, Ethan Fraser and Diego Casillas added one each.

Lathrop 4, Los Banos 1

Jorge Garcia and Miguel Gonzales struck for two goals each. Assists came from Luis Garcia, Anthony Calderon, Jesus Aguilar and Anthony Cuellar.