Two goals from Skyler Burford and one from Layla Garcia-Gonzalez were more than enough to help secure the first ever Sac-Joaquin Section Championship blue banner for the Oakdale Lady Mustangs varsity soccer squad.
The Section victory came in the Division 4 title game, as the Oakdale girls traveled to Sacramento City College on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 21 for the contest against the Twelve Bridges Raging Rhinos. The Twelve Bridges squad went 10-1-1 in their league for first place. Oakdale went 12-0 in league play, taking first place in the tough Valley Oak League. The Lady Mustangs were the number one seed in the D4 playoffs, Twelve Bridges was the number two seed.
The final score on Saturday saw Oakdale capturing the 3-1 victory, cementing their place in school history.
“I’m really proud of these girls and all the great things they’ve accomplished so far,” said head coach Kico Monares.
With a roster dominated by underclassmen, the Lady Mustangs didn’t seem to let any title game nerves get to them, as they took a 2-0 first half lead over Twelve Bridges. The teams then traded tallies in the second half but Oakdale allowed just the one second half goal and put the 3-1 game in the win column.
“As for the Section Championship game, it was an amazing night for Oakdale,” said the coach. “From the moment they boarded the bus, to the final whistle, it felt like a serious business trip. The girls were focused, and there was no doubt in their minds that we were going to win.”
The blue banner capped what has already been an historic season for the Lady Mustangs.
“First 20-win season in program history, first team in program history to go undefeated in Valley Oak League play,” Monares said of the 12-0 VOL run. “Currently and counting, the longest win streak in program history, currently at 14 wins, and the first CIF Section Championship in program history.”
Helping add up to the Saturday victory were tough defense, a dominant midfield and an aggressive attack.
Monares pointed to defender Jezell Perez-Andrade as being a “game changer” in the back line, while keeper Avery Gleason was solid as well.
“Amazing play from our midfielders Layla Garcia-Gonzalez, Skyler Burford, and Sophia Garavaglia, all freshmen, was a dominant force in the midfield and set the game’s pace,” Monares explained. “The midfield is what makes us successful, and they proved it that night. The attack is always led by Dakota Burford, who was a force to be reckoned with. Shelby Mitchell on the winger was fantastic. Our speed, physicality, and conditioning are the key to our success.”
Skyler Burford had two goals and an assist, Layla Garcia-Gonzalez had a goal and an assist, with Shelby Mitchell and Dakota Burford each adding an assist in the 3-1 victory. Gleason had four saves.
“We’re now gearing up for State Regionals, kicking off on March 3,” Monares said, with the Oakdale girls improving to 21-2-2 overall with the Section win. “All the sprints, weight room sessions are paying off, and it’s showing.”
Making up the Oakdale roster are seniors Taylor Lowry, Avery Gleason, Taylor Lemke, Leila Muller, and Noelani Meza. Juniors include Vanessa Lares, Dakota Burford (captain), Allie Oliveira, and Shelby Mitchell. Sophomores on the roster are Cassidy Mitchell, Piper Ramirez, Kaia Cox, Sienna Alley, Ashlyn Splettstoesser, Taeya Riley, and Ceci Cotton. The freshmen include Skyler Burford, Catherin De Leon, Liliana Gonzalez-Esparza, Jezell Perez-Andrade, Sophia Garavaglia, and Layla Garcia-Gonzalez.
