East Union outshot host Manteca 34-3 Tuesday night, and Gio Perez posted a hat trick and an assist to lead a 7-0 shutout to open the Valley Oak League boys soccer campaign at Guss Schmiedt Field.
“We are trying to get some momentum before we hit the playoffs,” East Union coach Ronnie Green said. “We have 13 wins already.
“The boys are playing well. We just need to building on what we have already, and we need to keep progressing.”
Perez assisted Angel Guzman just two minutes into the game before getting his hat trick on two assists from Guzman and one from Anthony Sy. Erardo Pelayo scored on an assist from Favian Gonzalez and dished out assists to Sy and Sobhan Azizpor.
“I am just doing what I love,” Perez said. “I am playing with my heart.”
Luis Bucio led the defensive effort for the Lancers (1-0 VOL, 13-4-1 overall) that limited Manteca (0-1, 1-7) to just one shot on frame.
“The defense was solid,” Bucio said. “Especially in the second half.
“I was a little nervous tonight.”
Were it not for some highlight-reel saves by Buffaloes goalie Manuel Ramirez (nine saves), the score could have been much worse.
“I have known Manuel (Ramirez) for seven years,” Manteca coach Isidro Garcia said. “He played rec as a defender, but this year we had no goalie and he stepped up. We have been working with him for the last three weeks and he is just phenomenal.
“One thing I have to say is I am proud of the fact that we only have one player who plays competitive. Everyone else hasn’t had that experience like the other schools have. But they play their heart out and do what they can. We are working with the kids while they are learning something that is new to them.”
East Union hosts Oakdale on Thursday at 6:45 p.m., and the Buffaloes travel to Modesto to face Central Catholic.
Junior varsity
East Union 6, Manteca 2
Emmanuel Ayon posted a hat trick for the Lancers.
Thomas Maestas, Daniel Medina and Alexis Machuca added a goal apiece for East Union.
Omar Ramirez scored one goal for the Buffaloes and they netted their other on an own goal by the Lancers.
