STOCKTON — It took nearly a month for Weston Ranch’s boys soccer team to tally its first win of the season.

Now winners of three straight, the Cougars have set themselves up for a first-place battle with reigning Valley Oak League champion East Union.

Devon Alvarenga netted a pair of goals Wednesday to help the Cougars prevail 4-1 against visiting Central Catholic. 

“Tonight, we played sloppy in many ways in part because of the two weeks we had off, but we found a way to win,” Weston Ranch coach Francisco Cisneros said. “Our next game is going to be a real test. We’re going to see what we have as a team.”

Alvarenga scored the first and last goals for the Cougars (3-0-0, 3-7-2 overall). Vidal Garcia assisted the icebreaker midway through the first half, and Weston Ranch exploded for three more in the second. Robert Gonzalez contributed a goal and an assist. Miguel Ramirez chipped in a goal, while Izaac Cruz and Ariel Silva each had an assist.

Francisco Vega had three saves while protecting the Weston Ranch goal for the first 60 minutes. He was replaced by Salvador Rivera, who recorded four saves.

Weston Ranch visits East Union next Monday.

Oakdale 3, Sierra 0

Sierra (2-1, 6-4-1) had its share of scoring opportunities but could not capitalize at Daniel Teicheira Memorial Stadium.

Juan Mata scored in the 24th minute to get the visiting Mustangs (2-1, 5-6-2) rolling. Luis Palafox doubled the lead with a one-touch volley in the 46th, and Dayne Stutervant iced the win in the 57th. 

“We did not have one of our best games,” Sierra coach Joe Pires said. “We’ll have to bounce back next week.”

Frosh-soph

Sierra 2, Oakdale 0

Adib Guedoir scored twice in a 30-minute span in the second half, and it was all the Timberwolves needed. It’s the third consecutive shutout for Sierra to start league play.