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18 Straight and counting
CV boys continue their dominant run in conference play
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Osvaldo Yepez, pictured left, helped Central Valley High Schools varsity boys soccer team extend its unbeaten streak to 18 games in Western Athletic Conference play this past week. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Central Valley High School's varsity boys soccer program continued its run of dominance in the Western Athletic Conference.

The Hawks collected their 18th straight win dating back to the 2012 season with a 2-0 victory over Pacheco on Wednesday in Ceres.

Central Valley improved to 8-1-3 overall and 2-0 in the WAC standings.

The Panthers dropped to 4-5 on the year.

The Hawks have placed first in conference play the past four seasons. Central Valley captured back-to-back Valley Oak League titles prior to joining the WAC in 2010.

"It seems to be the same story every year," Hawks leader Omar Leon said. "It's an honor to coach such a talented group of kids. There's still room for improvement."

Angel Aguilar and Jose Martin both scored once as Central Valley shut out Pacheco 2-0 in the sweltering heat on Wednesday in Ceres.

Jacob Guerrero and Osvaldo Yepez chipped in with one assist each.

Ramon Ruiz made one save.

The Hawks and Panthers battled to a scoreless tie in the opening half.

"Pacheco is a very competitive team," Leon said. "It could have gone either way. Most of our kids are in really good shape. That was a decisive factor in the game."

Host Central Valley routed varsity newcomer El Capitan of Merced 8-0 on Sept. 15.

Hector Mendoza and Jose Yepez led the way with two goals apiece.

Angel Lopez tallied one goal and one assist.

Ruiz, Jesus Sanchez and Damian Soltero all scored once.

Custodio Vasquez, Osvaldo Yepez and Jose Martin contributed one assist each.

Ruiz had six saves.

Fabian Govea totaled a career-high 18 saves for El Capitan (2-4-1).

"I'm very pleased with the performance," Leon said. "The kids stayed focused until the last minute of the game. They're a new school. It's going to take them some time to build their program. It doesn't happen overnight. The WAC is very competitive."

Central Valley's accumulated 42 wins, two losses and four ties in the WAC since 2010.

The Hawks will play at Livingston today at 4 p.m.

Central Valley will be vying for its 19th consecutive victory.

"The kids want to keep the winning tradition alive," Leon said.