The Oakdale Mustangs varsity soccer team turned in a pair of Valley Oak League (VOL) victories this week, now has four consecutive victories, and currently sits on top of the VOL standings (6-0-2). Oakdale defeated Central Catholic 6-2 and Manteca 4-1 this past week.
The Mustangs hit the road on Monday night, Oct. 5 to take on the Raiders of Central Catholic. Oakdale’s powerful offense was highlighted by five assists in the game. Junior Wesley Allen scored two goals and added a pair of assists as well. Fellow junior Manuel Aguilar also had two goals and an assist. Senior Michael Arauza chipped in a goal and an assist, while juniors Austin Neave found the net and Tony Verduzco added an assist.
“The first half was competitive (4-2). We made some errors but were able to regroup in the second half. Everybody got to play on my roster, which is important because we are injured and that helped them develop,” said Coach Alfredo Quiroga.
Wednesday night, Oct. 7 Oakdale returned home to host the Manteca Buffaloes. Oakdale jumped out to an early 1-0 lead as Collin Harrity found the net after a pass from Neave. Zidane Saucedo helped carry the Mustangs with a goal and two assists. Allen and David Serrano each scored a goal in the second half to help the Mustangs get past the Buffaloes.
“The first half we were very lethargic, we did not have energy or enthusiasm, luckily Manteca did not seem to have much either. It was kind of a weird game altogether,” Quiroga pointed out.
The Mustangs have six games remaining on their league schedule before the postseason begins and are 4-0-2 against their remaining opponents. Oakdale is currently one game up on Weston Ranch and one and a half up on Sierra.
“The VOL is very competitive, we play in a competitive league, but we are in the driver’s seat. Make no mistake about it, we control our own fate,” Quiroga stated.
Junior Varsity
Oakdale’s junior varsity boys earned a 4-1 victory over visiting Manteca on Wednesday night. Goals by Alex Zamora, Christian Flores, Victor Par and Juan Mata lifted the younger Mustangs to a season record of 6-1.
