The Manteca FC Rebels closed out their redemption tour Saturday night at Ripon Christian High School with a 2-1 win over Azteca FC of Merced, giving the Rebels their second win in as many games that avenged earlier-season losses.
“We felt like we let some opportunities go on the road in Madera and Merced,” Manteca coach James Burns said. “We didn’t feel like we played a full 90 in those games, and we have talked for the last three weeks about seizing the opportunity for redemption.
“I love the response from the boys. Being shorthanded last week and getting a win against Madera was huge, and the resiliency tonight to come out and get those two second-half goals gave us a huge three points.”
The win Saturday coupled with a Madera loss gave the Rebels the NorCal South Division crown with one week remaining. Manteca wraps up the regular season this Saturday in Santa Cruz at Harbor High against Eclipse Soccer, which defeated Madera and clinched first place for the Rebels.
Following a scoreless first half, Manteca (7-0-2) got on the board in the 67th minute when Guillermo Ramirez took a free kick from Hayden Beier that sailed past a teammate and headed it in for a 1-0 lead.
“It got past Jesus Rios on the way in,” Ramirez said. “I kept focused, kept my eye on the ball just in case and got my head in there and scored on the back post.”

After Daniel Gaona tied the game for Merced (4-2-4) in the 75th minute, the Rebels’ Janluca Tejada snagged a rebound and took advantage of an empty net to blast in what proved to be the winning goal with four minutes remaining in the match.
“I had an open net,” Tejada said. “It got a little scary because there were so many people in the box.”
Anthony Ayala was busy in the box for the Manteca with 10 saves.
“I had to make sure I showed up for the team when they needed me most,” Ayala said. “We conceded one unfortunately, but for the most part, I am glad I kept it clean back there.”