In a showdown of unbeatens the Manteca United could not keep pace with the visiting Placer Gold in Saturday’s Nor Cal League contest. The two squads came into the game with hopes of remaining perfect on the season, yet the United are now forced to deal with their first loss.

The Gold grabbed a hold of sole possession of first place and now will look to close out a perfect Nor Cal Premier Soccer League season, dethroning Manteca United as the league’s defending champion.

The Manteca Futbol Club United made the most of its trip to Sacramento for the Boo Fest Tournament in Granite Park, coming home with an undefeated record including three shutouts.

The United got stellar play from keeper Natasha Honore who turned away all but two shots in the tournament. Clarissa Lecce and Julia Vezaldenos led the club with four goals apiece, while teammate Stella Brierly chipped in three.

Stephanie Mata, Jaidyn Valencia and Jasmine Farrar all scored once in the team’s four wins.

Manteca opened play with a 2-0 win over San Ramon, then followed that win up with a victory over the Folsom Explosion. Placer United stood in line next and fell 4-0, ushering the United into the finals where they beat the Danville Mustang United 4-0.

Olivia Ortega, Stephanie Mata and Kayley Alvarado all made solid contributions of the defensive end.

The Manteca Futbol under-10 Earthquakes finished recent play with a 1-1-2 record, including a 2-0 win over the California Rush. The club fell to Woodland Arsenal 0-2 and had a 1-1 tie and 0-0 tie with the Mill Valley Rockets and Mad River Lightning, respectively.