Ceres High School's varsity boys soccer team competed in the Sierra, Pitman and Gregori tournaments in previous years.

The Bulldogs' 2012 preseason slate consisted of just two games due to a lack of funding for entry fees.

Ceres High, which had eight fewer contacts than crosstown-rival Central Valley, used all of its money to buy uniforms.

The Bulldogs will begin Western Athletic Conference play this week.

"The other teams have an advantage over us because they played more games," Ceres High head coach Javier Mercado said. "It was up to the boys to raise money. We haven't been keeping up with it."

The Bulldogs won both of their non-league games.

Ceres High defeated host Hilmar 4-1 on Wednesday.

Cristopher Torres tallied a game-high two goals.

Thomas Rochas and Alfredo Arana chipped in with one goal apiece.

"That's a surprising score," Mercado said. "Hilmar always has quality teams."

Ceres High posted a 4-1 victory over Beyer on Aug. 28 at Bulldog Stadium.

Rochas scored twice on breakaways.

Younger brother Moises Rochas assisted on Cesar Espinoza's goal.

Cristian Cabrales beat three Patriot defenders on his way to scoring his lone goal.

Bulldog goalkeeper Abel Reyes made four saves.

Ceres High will play at Livingston on Thursday at 4 p.m.

"We're going to get better as the season goes on," Mercado said. "It takes time to build team chemistry."