Valley Oak League action began for the Oakdale Mustangs boys soccer program this past week. Oakdale (0-4-1, 0-1-1) has had their early season struggles and this week those woes continued.

On Tuesday, Dec. 11 the team hosted Manteca (1-4-2, 0-1-1) in their season opener. Oakdale and the Buffaloes tied 1-1 in the match. The Mustangs led 1-0 on a goal by Eric Anaya in the first half. In the final minute of the second half, Manteca tied the game on a free kick.

“I will say that this was the best we have played so far this season,” said head coach Alfredo Quiroga.

On Thursday, Dec. 13 the team hit the road for their second league game when they took on East Union (6-2-2, 2-0-0) where the Lancers blanked the Mustangs 3-0.

“We held our own in that game, against a very good East Union team,” said Quiroga.

The team trailed 1-0 late in the first and gave up a pair of goals in the second half.

“We had mistakes that cost us that win. A few balls bounced the other way, and we could not find a rhythm,” Quiroga added.

Oakdale has played only six games, including a shortened slate of four preseason games, due to poor air quality and unfavorable weather.

“Winter has not been kind to us,” said Quiroga. “We have kids banged up and have been battling colds. We plan on using the winter break to catch up on practice and make up for lost time. Hopefully this will help us turn around our season.”

The Mustangs traveled to Tracy to take on Kimball (4-5-1, 0-2-0) on Tuesday, Dec. 18 following The Leader’s press time. Oakdale will host Sierra (4-4-0, 1-0-0) on Thursday, Dec. 20. The game is scheduled for 5 p.m.

JUNIOR VARSITY

The JV Mustangs played two Valley Oak League games this week and split their contests. In the league opener against Manteca, Oakdale won 5-1. Oakdale had goals from Kevin Camelin (two), Logan Lourenco, Nelson Solis and Riley Blount. Thursday’s game against East Union resulted in a 3-1 loss. Camelin had the team’s lone goal and gave Oakdale a 1-0 advantage in the first half.