The Valley Oak League soccer season has begun and for the varsity Mustang boys, the season has started with both ups and downs. On Monday, Dec. 12 the boys won the season opener 3-0 over the Manteca Buffaloes. Two days later, the boys tied with East Union, 1-1.
In the home opener against Manteca, Oakdale scored all three goals in the second half to pull away from the Buffaloes. Goals by a trio of seniors; Winslow Barrales, Adriel Fernandez and Jake Mendoza lifted the Mustangs to victory. Westen Wright, Josh Barrera and Tony Verduzco all contributed with assists for Oakdale. Sophomore goalkeeper Daniel Dubiel had four saves for the Mustangs.
“Coming into the game, we struggled with goals and that was the problem in the first half. We were in control the majority of the game. We kept our heads up and in the second half the boys came out on fire. I was impressed,” head coach Alfredo Quiroga said.
On Wednesday, Dec.14 the boys headed to Manteca to face off against the East Union Lancers. The Mustangs got on the board in the first half on a Barrales goal that was assisted by senior Wesley Allen. East Union tied the game later in the first half. Throughout the remainder of the game, it was tough defense from both the Mustangs and East Union, including from Dubiel who had a total of five saves in the game for Oakdale. Both meetings of these two teams in 2015 were also ties, 2-2 and 1-1.
“Playing them on the road is difficult. They play on their football field, which is choppy and soft because of the rain. Not to take away from them because they are a very talented team that always plays us tough. It is not easy playing them regardless if it is fall or winter,” Quiroga said.
With the winter break, Oakdale will not return to competition until Tuesday, Jan. 3 when the team travels to take on Central Catholic. The Mustangs return home to host Sierra on Thursday, Jan. 5. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY
The Oakdale Mustangs junior varsity boys opened their season with a pair of wins. The boys won 5-2 over visiting Manteca on Monday, Dec. 12. Two goals came from Eric Anaya, one that was assisted by Juan Mata. Mata also added two more assists on the day including one to Christian Flores and another to Miguel Casillas. Mata’s big night didn’t stop there as he too found the back of the net on a goal, assisted by Carson Frazee. Oakdale went to East Union and won 2-1 to complete their week. Mata scored two as Eric Anaya found him for an assist while the other goal was unassisted. Oakdale’s junior varsity will take off action for the remainder of winter break and will return to the field on Tuesday, Jan. 3 at Central Catholic. The game is scheduled for 4 p.m.
