Unbeaten through its first five games, Ceres High’s varsity boys soccer team suffered its first loss of the season on Dec. 10.

Modesto High shut out visiting Ceres High 2-0 in non-conference play.

The Bulldogs bounced back by opening the Western Athletic Conference season with back-to-back wins.

Ceres High improved to 6-1-1 and 2-0 in the WAC standings after edging Beyer 1-0 on Friday at the Mary Grogan Soccer Complex.

The Patriots fell to 3-4-1 and 1-1.

Bulldog Hugo Mercado accounted for the game’s lone goal.

Ceres High goalkeeper Leo Trujillo totaled nine saves.

The Bulldogs pulled away for a 5-1 victory over the winless Lathrop Spartans on Dec. 12 at Ceres High.

Antonio Medina led the Bulldogs with two goals and one assist.

Andres Madriz, Luis Medina and Hassiel Ruiz all scored once.

Jaime Bravo collected two assists.

Trujillo tallied five saves.

Ahead by just one goal, Ceres High outscored Lathrop during the second half.

The Spartans dropped to 0-10 overall and 0-2 in the WAC.

Ceres High will play at Johansen today and host Pacheco on Friday.

Both league games will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Hawks 0, Bulldogs 0

Central Valley’s varsity boys soccer team earned a respectable result during its non-conference clash with host Turlock last week.

The Hawks and Bulldogs battled to a 0-0 tie on Dec. 11 at Joe Debely Stadium.

“We had three chances in the first 15 minutes,” head coach Omar Leon said. “After that, Turlock dominated. We didn’t play well. We still could have won. I’m happy we didn’t lose.”

Central Valley moved to 3-2-3 on the year.

Turlock (8-0-3) kept its unbeaten streak alive.

Erick Martinez’s stellar play at goalkeeper helped the Hawks secure a draw with the Bulldogs.

Martinez made 12 saves.

“Erick did very well throughout the whole game,” Leon said. “He can be the best goalkeeper around here. He doesn’t stop talking. He’s constantly coaching from the back telling his teammates what to do. That’s a plus.”

Central Valley teammate Cesar Grajeda starred on defense as well.

“He’s consistent every game,” Leon said.

The Hawks took 10 shots versus the Bulldogs, including two each by Gerardo Flores, Joel Arellano and Jesus Yepez.

“I’m pleased with the overall result—tying a quality program,” Leon said. “They’re a very good team. They have a strong midfield. That’s why they dominated.”