Playing on campus for the first time since 2002, Ceres High's varsity boys soccer team didn't disappoint its fans.
The Bulldogs snuck past the Stagg Delta Kings, 1-0, in a final tuneup before the Valley Oak League season on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Ceres High's home games were previously held at Ceres River Bluff Regional Park.
"This was our first time playing at the stadium," Bulldogs forward Luis Martinez said. "It was awesome."
Martinez scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time. He took a left-wing cross from David Estrada, spun and blasted a 12-yard shot to the left of the keeper. Moments later, Martinez found himself at the bottom of a dogpile.
"After working hard for 80 minutes, we finally got a goal in," said Martinez, who tweaked his right wrist and scraped his left knee when teammate Jose Meza tackled him to the ground from behind during the wild celebration. "It's a great feeling."
Meza and Aron Mejia were assessed yellow cards during the foul-laden contest.
Martinez sustained a small cut on his face after colliding with Stagg's goalkeeper.
"It was a really physical game," Luis said. "We've been training for that."
Bullldog goalies Kyle Cerny and Jesus Lopez combined for eight saves in the shutout victory. Lopez made six in relief, while Cerny finished with two.
"It's good to build momentum going into league," Ceres High head coach Koeurn Phe said.
Dawgs 4, Wolves 1
Ceres High opened its VOL season with a 4-1 win over host Sierra last Thursday.
David Estrada had two goals, and Martinez and Alejandro Castro both scored once.
The Bulldogs shut out the Timberwolves 2-0 in the second half.
"We were tenacious," Phe said.
The Bulldogs snuck past the Stagg Delta Kings, 1-0, in a final tuneup before the Valley Oak League season on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Ceres High's home games were previously held at Ceres River Bluff Regional Park.
"This was our first time playing at the stadium," Bulldogs forward Luis Martinez said. "It was awesome."
Martinez scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time. He took a left-wing cross from David Estrada, spun and blasted a 12-yard shot to the left of the keeper. Moments later, Martinez found himself at the bottom of a dogpile.
"After working hard for 80 minutes, we finally got a goal in," said Martinez, who tweaked his right wrist and scraped his left knee when teammate Jose Meza tackled him to the ground from behind during the wild celebration. "It's a great feeling."
Meza and Aron Mejia were assessed yellow cards during the foul-laden contest.
Martinez sustained a small cut on his face after colliding with Stagg's goalkeeper.
"It was a really physical game," Luis said. "We've been training for that."
Bullldog goalies Kyle Cerny and Jesus Lopez combined for eight saves in the shutout victory. Lopez made six in relief, while Cerny finished with two.
"It's good to build momentum going into league," Ceres High head coach Koeurn Phe said.
Dawgs 4, Wolves 1
Ceres High opened its VOL season with a 4-1 win over host Sierra last Thursday.
David Estrada had two goals, and Martinez and Alejandro Castro both scored once.
The Bulldogs shut out the Timberwolves 2-0 in the second half.
"We were tenacious," Phe said.
