Eriq Kurys spent an entire season on the backline for the Sierra High soccer team, emerging as an all-Valley Oak League caliber defender.

It was a sacrifice that didn’t come easy.

Kurys had been groomed as a forward before making the leap to the varsity level, but made the switch because the Timberwolves were desperate for defenders.

The junior has returned to his roots with a bang for Manteca Futbol Club’s under-16 Bayern Munich soccer club.

Kurys scored two goals to lead a second-half barrage and Bayern Munich recorded its first-ever victory with a 3-0 pasting of Sacramento United during the opening round of the NorCal State Cup tournament.

The game was tied 0-0 at the intermission.

“We talked about at halftime. Once we scored against that team the flood gates would open,” Bayern coach Ronnie Green said. “We wanted to put more offensive pressure. With our formation (3-4-3), we put so much pressure on them. Pushing seven on them, Sacrament had no reaction; they didn’t know what to do.”

Cesar Torres rounded out the scoring with a pretty half-volley and Enrique Garcia stopped six shots for the first-year club playing just its third game together.

Bayern Munich (1-2) is comprised of players from area high schools, including Sierra, Manteca, East Union and Lathrop. 

“It was vital to get a win early to build morale and let them know that they hard practices and hard training is paying off,” Green said.

Scoreless at the half, Kurys shot Bayern into the lead with two goals in a three-minute span.

His first came on a negative pass from Zach Hernandez three minutes into the second half. Hernandez beat two defenders with his dribble and then slid a pass back to Kurys.

Three minutes later, Everardo Velasquez started the scoring sequence with a run down the left sideline. He found Kurys in space at the top of the 18-yard box. 

His shot went to the upper lefthand corner, just out of the reach of the Sacramento United goalie.

Torres’ strike was set up by Jonah Renteria on a free kick from about 30 yards off the goal. 

Defensively, Bayern Munich was paced by center back Josh Kong and Garcia, who preserved the shutout with two 1-on-1 saves. 

With Kong anchoring the three-back formation, Green felt confident moving Kurys back into the attack. That confidence was rewarded on Saturday.

“It freed up Eriq,” Green said, “which created that offensive firepower.”

Tryouts in January

Green is looking to add a second under-16 team. Tryouts will be held in January. For more information, contact Green at rgreen0903@msn.com.