In their lone game of the week, the Oakdale Mustangs shut out the Sierra Timberwolves 3-0 in varsity boys soccer action. The Valley Oak League (VOL) showdown took place Wednesday, Jan. 3 at Sierra High School in Manteca. This was the first game back from the winter break and the Mustangs looked fierce. Entering the game, Oakdale was 0-2 in league play, while Sierra was 2-0.

Junior midfielder Juan Mata got the Mustangs on the board in the first half on an assisted goal by Eric Anaya. With a 1-0 advantage at the break Oakdale entered the second half motivated and focused. Luis Palafox scored on a half bicycle-kick from the right side that got the crowd on their feet.

“It was a thing of beauty, that goal was exciting and helped power us the rest of the way,” Mustangs head coach Alfredo Quiroga said.

The goal was assisted by Manuel Garcia.

Oakdale scored its final goal on an unassisted Dayne Sturtevant kick late in the second half.

“We played well for our first game back,” Quiroga said. “This was one of our healthiest games we had, meaning that we were at full roster and remained injury free.”

In the net for Oakdale was Philip Knieriere. The senior had four saves in the win.

Wednesday, Jan. 10 the team hits the road to take on the Cougars of Weston Ranch (3-7-2, 3-0) and will host Kimball (1-6-0, 0-2) on Wednesday, Jan. 17. Varsity games are scheduled for 5:45 p.m.

The Monday, Jan. 8 scheduled home opener against Lathrop was postponed due to the rainy weather and has been rescheduled for Friday, Jan. 19 at 5:15 p.m.

JUNIOR VARSITY

Oakdale’s junior varsity team suffered its second league loss against Sierra on Wednesday, Jan. 3 in their only action of the week. The team lost 2-0. The JV Mustangs will take on Weston Ranch in Stockton on Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 4 p.m.

Their Monday game, Jan. 8, was postponed due to rain and is now scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. start time on Friday, Jan. 19.