East Union’s high press was effective on Thursday, but the Lancers had nothing to show for it at halftime of their Valley Oak League game against host Sierra.
They finally broke through in the second half, getting a goal and an assist from Alexis Machuca in the 2-1 victory. The Timberwolves scored their lone goal on a penalty kick but earlier missed one from the spot.
“The high press was a game changer,” EU coach Ronnie Green said. “I think just modifying our system to a three at the top instead of the two helped, and we just pressed harder. I’m happy with the boys. They stepped up for the rivalry game.”
Moments after Maddox Torres blasted an attempt just high of target, East Union finally capitalized on its relentless press two minutes into the second half. The pressure caused Sierra to misplay the ensuing goal kick, and Machuca pounced on the opportunity from about 30 yards out.
“One of their defenders booted it up to one of their midfielders, and he just took a bad touch,” Machuca said. “I took off for it and hit it first time.”
The Lancers (5-1-3 VOL, 11-4-7 overall) doubled the lead in the 58th minute off a set piece. Machuca bombed a free kick into the penalty box from midfield, and Ben Diaz was there to finish it off.
“I saw that there was some open space, and he was by himself,” Machuca said. “So I was like, I’m just going to get it there because it was Ben was so open and he got it.”
Sierra (6-4, 13-5) had a chance to answer EU’s first goal after Preston Gallegos was knocked down by two defenders in the box. He took the penalty but skipped it off the crossbar.
Neddy Ramos converted on the second PK in the 64th minute. Axzel Razo drew the foul in the box, as he was inadvertently taken down by goalie Daniel Diaz.
“I told the guys after the game that we have to be smart all the way through,” Green said. “Those PKs are a concern, because now I think we’ve given up six in like the last eight games. That’s too many.”
The Timberwolves had one last opportunity to tie it in the final minute following a free kick. Matthew Valdez got to the loose ball and took a crack from short range, but Diaz was there to deflect it away.
“We had a couple of good opportunities, but overall, this was a pretty good game,” Sierra coach Joe Pires said. “They are just quick, and they step up for these big games.”
Both teams missed players to injuries. Sierra’s leading scorer, Alejandro Sanchez tried to give it a go in the second half but was sidelined after a few minutes of action. He injured a hamstring Tuesday in the Timberwolves’ loss at Oakdale.
“He’s pretty banged up but really wanted to play,” Pires said. “He’s a warrior and one of our key players. We tried some things to get some energy from different players at different positions.”
One of the tweaks was to put defender Noah Ofman on the front line. He created an open 1v1 shot for himself early in the first half, but his low shot to the near post was stuffed by Diaz (three saves).
The Timberwolves have a tough finish to the regular season, as they host VOL-leading Patterson next Tuesday, Feb. 6 before ending Feb. 11 at Mountain House, which has been a tough out for opponents.
East Union takes on Central Catholic and Manteca next week and heads to Oakdale for its league finale.
“This (win) pretty much locks up second place for us, as long as we take care of business the next couple weeks,” Green said.
