In desperate need of a win after dropping its previous three games, Central Valley’s boys soccer team opened the 2021 Western Athletic Conference South season with a 1-0 win against Los Banos on Friday in Ceres.
“We’re happy,” new head coach Horatio Garcia said. “We wanted to snap the losing streak. The pressure was starting to build.”
“It was a competitive game,” he added. “The entire team played well.”
The Hawks improved to 3-3 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
The Tigers dropped to 0-1 in the WAC standings.
Fernando Cano broke a scoreless tie with a goal in the 22nd minute.
Francisco Ramos assisted.
“We had plenty of opportunities to score,” Garcia said. “We were on their side of the field for most of the game.”
Brian Gomez totaled a season-high 10 saves at goalkeeper.
“He played an excellent game,” Garcia said. “He was a big factor in us getting the victory.”
Central Valley also changed its lineup for the game.
The Hawks relied on four defenders, two defensive midfielders, three attacking midfielders and one striker.
“We changed formations based on the results we had the previous three games,” Garcia said. “We had more balance on offense and defense.”
Omar Leon, Garcia’s predecessor, led the Hawks to seven section finals appearances, eight league titles and 12 playoffs berths. He’s also had a host of players earn scholarships to four-year colleges.
“It’s going to take some time to adjust because of how well he (Leon) did during his time as head coach of the varsity program,” said Garcia, who coached Central Valley’s junior-varsity boys soccer team the past five seasons.
Central Valley will play host to Johansen today and at Ceres High on Friday.
CHS 7, Johansen 3
Ahead by just one goal at intermission, Ceres High’s boys soccer team pulled away for a 7-3 victory over host Johansen in Western Athletic Conference South play on Friday in Modesto.
“It gives me a good where we’re at with respect to Johansen and other schools,” head coach Gilbert Zamora said. “It was a good test. I’m not going to say we’re the best but we’re going to work harder this season.”
The Bulldogs improved to 1-1 overall and 1-0 in league play.
“We just started,” Zamora said. “We’re just excited to play soccer. We’re having fun.”
Freshman Gilbert Zamora III collected two goals and one assist.
Luis Yepez chipped in with one goal and one assist.
Victor Macias, David Escobar, Diego Ruiz and Haciel Ruiz all contributed one goal.
Matthew Sanchez, Nathan Barajas, Gonzalo Rivera and Sebastian Olide each had one assist.
The Bulldogs outscored the Vikings 5-2 during the second half. “When they play as a team, good things happen,” Zamora said.
Bulldogs 3, Vikings 0
Ceres High’s girls soccer team won its Western Athletic Conference South opener, 3-0, on Friday at CUSD Stadium.
“They exceeded my expectations,” first-year head coach Hannah Menk said.
The Bulldogs improved to 1-1 overall and 1-1 in the league standings.
Ceres High amassed a program-best 18-1-1 overall record, claimed the WAC championship with a 13-0-1 mark and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-III playoffs this past season.
“I believe we can be at the same level as last year,” Menk said. “We have to build trust and confidence.”
Twin sisters Jackie and Aaliyah Ruiz led Ceres High with one goal and one assist apiece.
Freshman Isabella Gudino had one goal.
Freshman Arianna Diaz collected one assist.
“We had a ridiculous amount of shots on goal,” Menk said.
Jackie Ruiz and Layla Sandoval were forced to make no saves while splitting time at goalkeeper.
Ruiz started.
Daisy Duran, Camille Clemmer, Aaliyah Ruiz and Erica Vieira filled key roles on defense.
“Our backline was a brick wall,” Menk said. “We allowed only three shots.”
Hawks 6, Tigers 0
Central Valley’s girls soccer team won its Western Athletic Conference South opener, 6-0, on Friday in Ceres.
The Hawks improved to 1-0-1 overall and 1-0-0 in the league standings.
Freshman Isabella Barajas scored a team-high three goals.
Freshman Emaly Fernandez added two goals.
Natalie Ibarra tallied one goal.
Ally Singh and Kaitlyn Coupland both had two assists.
Sophomore Yukari Mendoza made three saves at goalkeeper.
