The Lathrop Spartans have done a great job turning their program around in relatively short time, and the team was rewarded with their first Valley Oak League victory when they stopped the Weston Ranch Cougars 1-0 Wednesday in Weston Ranch.
Lathrop (1-3 VOL, 4-7-1) tussled to a nil-nil tie after the first 40 minutes, but pulled ahead for good when Christian Rivera took advantage of a breakaway opportunity with a goal in the 55th minute, giving the Spartans a lead they would not relinquish.
“I’m extremely proud of our guys,” Lathrop head coach Ryan Biederman said. “We have been trying to get that first league win; we were able to get a bunch of wins in our preseason. But we’ve had a rough go this league season.”
The Spartans’ victory came at the expense of a Weston Ranch program that is clearly struggling after an impressive opening to the non-league season. The Cougars have dropped three consecutive league games since opening the VOL with an 8-0 win over Sonora.
Weston Ranch (1-3, 5-4-1) did pose some challenges for the Spartans, but upon getting the lead Lathrop survived behind the play of goal keeper Omar Guzman.
“They played extremely well,” Biederman said of Weston Ranch. “They contested us; they pushed us, but we were able to responds really well.
“We had to make some adjustments to counter what they were doing and they handled the adjustments.”
Guzman proved to be the difference posting 24 saves in the win.
Lathrop will be back on the pitch Monday when they travel to Manteca to take on the Buffaloes, while Weston Ranch will try and make things right with a trip to Oakdale.
“Our defense really did a great job for us today,” Sierra head coach Jose Montes said. “They did a great job putting pressure on the opposite side of the field.
“Kimball is a good team; they definitely have some players.”
Nicholas Gonzales led the Timberwolves with a hat-trick, netting all three of his goals in the first half. Jose Acosta finished with a pair of goals and Ruben Lopez closed out the Sierra scoring with the Timberwolves’ lone second-half goal. Christian Reyes registered four saves on his way to the shutout.
Sierra (2-1-1) will be back on the pitch Monday when they take on the Sonora Wildcats.
East Union (3-1) got a goal from Victory Garibay, but could not register any other offense. The Lancers will try and get back on the right track Monday, when they host Kimball High at 6:30 p.m
East Union (4-0) got goals from Angelo Zerbini, Derek Souza and Jose Silva, while Lupe Flores and Scott Fisher netted a pair. Collin Scholl (2) and Jose Miramontes dished out the assists.
Lathrop (1-3 VOL, 4-7-1) tussled to a nil-nil tie after the first 40 minutes, but pulled ahead for good when Christian Rivera took advantage of a breakaway opportunity with a goal in the 55th minute, giving the Spartans a lead they would not relinquish.
“I’m extremely proud of our guys,” Lathrop head coach Ryan Biederman said. “We have been trying to get that first league win; we were able to get a bunch of wins in our preseason. But we’ve had a rough go this league season.”
The Spartans’ victory came at the expense of a Weston Ranch program that is clearly struggling after an impressive opening to the non-league season. The Cougars have dropped three consecutive league games since opening the VOL with an 8-0 win over Sonora.
Weston Ranch (1-3, 5-4-1) did pose some challenges for the Spartans, but upon getting the lead Lathrop survived behind the play of goal keeper Omar Guzman.
“They played extremely well,” Biederman said of Weston Ranch. “They contested us; they pushed us, but we were able to responds really well.
“We had to make some adjustments to counter what they were doing and they handled the adjustments.”
Guzman proved to be the difference posting 24 saves in the win.
Lathrop will be back on the pitch Monday when they travel to Manteca to take on the Buffaloes, while Weston Ranch will try and make things right with a trip to Oakdale.
Sierra 6, Kimball 0
Sierra wasted little time in its match against VOL newbie Kimball High, dominating the first-half 5-0 on its way to a 6-0 win.“Our defense really did a great job for us today,” Sierra head coach Jose Montes said. “They did a great job putting pressure on the opposite side of the field.
“Kimball is a good team; they definitely have some players.”
Nicholas Gonzales led the Timberwolves with a hat-trick, netting all three of his goals in the first half. Jose Acosta finished with a pair of goals and Ruben Lopez closed out the Sierra scoring with the Timberwolves’ lone second-half goal. Christian Reyes registered four saves on his way to the shutout.
Sierra (2-1-1) will be back on the pitch Monday when they take on the Sonora Wildcats.
Oakdale 3, East Union 0
The Lancers were unable to return from Oakdale with the victory, falling to the Mustangs 3-1 in VOL action Wednesday.East Union (3-1) got a goal from Victory Garibay, but could not register any other offense. The Lancers will try and get back on the right track Monday, when they host Kimball High at 6:30 p.m
Sophomore
East Union 7, Oakdale 3
The Lancers dominated the host Mustangs in every facet of the contest, smashing Oakdale 7-3 in VOL action.East Union 7, Oakdale 3
East Union (4-0) got goals from Angelo Zerbini, Derek Souza and Jose Silva, while Lupe Flores and Scott Fisher netted a pair. Collin Scholl (2) and Jose Miramontes dished out the assists.
