Ricardo Castellanos' fifth goal gave the Ceres High varsity boys soccer team a 1-0 win over Beyer in Modesto Metro Conference play on Friday at Ceres River Bluff Regional Park.

"I knew they were going to give us a tough game despite their lack of experience," said Ceres coach Ryan Cerny.

Castellanos, a junior striker, netted the only goal of the game in the 70th minute. He scored on a 6-yard volley. Marques Castrejon assisted.

"He just slammed it into the back of the net," Cerny said. "It was a big sigh of relief."

Ceres moved into a tie for second place with Davis in the Modesto Metro Conference standings at 3-2. The Bulldogs will play at Modesto High today and Downey on Friday. Both games start at 4 p.m.

"I think we have the best talent in the league," Cerny said. "These guys just got to keep it together mentally."

Cerny and his players bonded prior to facing Beyer. The meeting took place following a 3-2 loss to the Davis Spartans.

"The night before the game, we talked in the classroom," Cerny said. "They ate pizza while I instructed them what to do on the field. It really helped. They were a lot more focused against the Beyer team."

The Bulldogs dominated possession against the Patriots. Ceres took 21 shots, including 10 by Castellanos. Beyer had eight shots on goal.

Ricardo Cetina started in goal for the Bulldogs in the first half. Sophomore goalie Edgardo Yepez preserved the shutout with four saves in the second half.

"Ricardo really didn't get tested at all," Cerny said. "They only had three or four shots on him." - By DALE BUTLER / Staff reporter of the Ceres (Calif.) Courier