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Mustang Varsity Boys Back In Playoff Hunt For Soccer
boys soccer
Varsity defender Alexander Gonzalez, 9, chases the ball down the sidelines against Lathrop. Oakdale defeated the Spartans 6-0 inside The Corral. DENNIS D. CRUZ/THE LEADER

Just over a week ago the varsity boys soccer team was on the outside looking in to the upcoming playoff picture. Following a pair of league wins this past week, Oakdale now sits in fourth place in the Valley Oak League standings and improved their chances of making it to the postseason. Oakdale knocked off Sierra 3-2 in a big road showdown on Monday, Jan. 30 and followed that with a 6-0 home win over Lathrop to climb up in the standings.

Earlier this year Oakdale (12-6-2, 6-3-2) lost to second place Sierra (13-7-2, 7-3-1) 3-2 at home. This past Monday, the Mustangs got their revenge with a 3-2 road win over the Wolves. First half goals by seniors Winslow Barrales and Collin Harrity sent the game to the break tied at two. Oakdale’s Jake Mendoza scored the go ahead goal in the second half to give the Mustangs the win. Goalkeeper Daniel Dubiel started the game and had four saves in the contest and Nate Richardson also had four second half saves in the win.

A misty night inside the Corral could not slow down the Mustangs offense on Wednesday, Feb. 1 as Oakdale scored three first half goals to pull away from Lathrop. Winslow and Harrity each scored a goal in the win along with goals by Manuel Aguilar, Omar Gutierrez, Israel Valero and Alejandro Gonzalez. Valero added two assist as did Jake Mendoza. Tony Verduzco contributed with an assist as well. Goalkeepers Dubiel and Richardson combined for five saves on the evening.

With two games remaining, Oakdale will host both Kimball (4-10-1, 2-8-1) on Wednesday, Feb. 8 and then host third place Central Catholic (8-5-4, 6-3-1) on Monday, Feb. 13. Both games are scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Senior night 2017 is scheduled for the Central Catholic contest, immediately following the conclusion of the junior varsity game.

 

JUNIOR VARSITY

The young Mustangs went 1-1 this past week in VOL action. On Monday, Jan. 30 the boys fell to East Union 4-2. Eric Anaya provided the offensive firepower for Oakdale, scoring both goals. Anaya’s first goal came unassisted and he found the net a second time thanks to an assist from Carson Frazee. Two days later the team returned home to take on the Lathrop Spartans and slayed them 6-0. Edgar Herrera and Carson Frazee led the team with two goals each and Eric Anaya and Miguel Casillas also tallied for the home team. The JV Mustangs spread the ball out, having five assists. Three assists were by Anaya and a pair came from Juan Mata.