Missed opportunities and defensive breakdowns kept Sierra from gaining at least a point in the Valley Oak League standings Monday.
Reigning champion Oakdale scored twice in the opening minutes of the second half and held on for a 2-1 win. The Timberwolves (1-2 VOL, 5-10 overall) were on the offensive over the final 10 minutes and failed to capitalize on multiple corner kicks, where they are most dangerous.
“We put a lot of pressure on them and had some really nice looks, we just couldn’t find a way to hit the back of the net,” Sierra coach Joe Pires said. “I’m happy with the way the kids never gave up and how they played tough. It was a good game, it just wasn’t meant to be for us.”
Sierra had many chances to strike in the first half but settled for one — a nice header from David Lopez off Eddie Aguilar’s cross. Moments before that, the Timberwolves were off target on an open-net attempt.
Oakdale (2-1, 7-3-3) caught the Sierra defense napping early in the second, as Jose Becera and Juan Rangel assisted each other on goals.
“Two mistakes hurt us,” Pires said. “On the first one we should have cleared it away, but we lost possession and the ball wound up in the 6-yard box. On the second one their guy had an open look from 25 yards out and there was nothing our goalie could do about it.”
Sierra will look to get back on track Wednesday when it takes on Kimball (1-1, 2-7-1) on the road.
Manteca 5, Kimball 0
Marcus Montano scored once and added two assists as the Buffaloes (3-0, 8-1-1) rolled to victory.
Kevin Rodriguez netted two goals, while Jason Maravilla and Braulio Solis each had one. Goalies Eduardo Aguilar (five saves) and Jose Zamarripa (three saves) combined for the shuout.
Weston Ranch 6,
Central Catholic 0
At Central Catholic (0-3, 0-6), the Cougars (3-0, 10-2-3) had trouble finding cracks in the defense as the Raiders used six defenders to contain their talented forwards.
The strategy ultimately didn’t work, as Kevin Medina broke the ice with a goal off an Arthur Garcia assist in the 21st minute. Omar Centeno contributed a goal and two assists. Even starting keeper Eddie Acosta scored, with other goals coming from Angel Portillo, Joseph Mayorca and Victor Munoz.
The shutout is Weston Ranch’s third straight to start league play.
