The varsity boys soccer team finished the week splitting their Valley Oak League contests. The 2017 Valley Oak League season opened up on Monday, Dec. 18 at Manteca where Oakdale won 2-0. Two days later the Mustangs hosted East Union but lost 2-1.

Freshman Esteban Garcia scored his first career goal on an assist from Juan Mata against the Buffaloes. Carson Frazee also scored a goal in the win on an assist from Alex Zamora. In the net, Philip Knieriere had four saves in the win.

On Wednesday night the boys held their home opener against the defending Valley Oak League champion East Union Lancers. In the contest, all the scoring came in the first half. Garcia scored his second goal in as many games when he found the net. His goal came on an assist Frazee. Knieriere had five saves in the loss.

The Mustangs (4-6-2, 1-1) will return the field on Wednesday, Jan. 3 on the road against Sierra (6-3-1, 2-0). Game time is set for 5:45 p.m. Oakdale returns home on Monday, Jan. 8 when they take on Lathrop (3-6-1, 0-2). This game is also scheduled for 5:45 p.m.

JUNIOR VARSITY

Monday’s season opener against Manteca was a successful road trip. Oakdale won 3-2 after taking a 2-1 advantage at the half. Isaac Valero scored two goals in the game and gathered an assist when he found Alexis Aguilar. Also having assists were Jimmy Homer and Julian Renteria.

On Wednesday night the boys returned home with a case of the flu. Six players were sidelined with illness and the shorthanded Mustangs fell to East Union 3-1. The two teams went into the half tied at 1-1 but Oakdale could not find a rhythm in the second half. Isaac Valero scored the team’s lone goal with an assist by Dylan French.