After a three week layoff, the Oakdale High School boys soccer team returned to action on Thursday, Jan. 9.

Oakdale (5-3-4, 2-0-2) traveled to Stockton to take on Weston Ranch (5-0-5, 3-0-1) and the battle resulted in a 1-1 tie between the Mustangs and the Cougars.

“With a long break we came back very rusty,” said head coach Alfredo Quiroga.

Oakdale had several opportunities to pull away from Weston Ranch but the ball just would not go in the net.

“I want to say we had eight breakaway opportunities but the ball sailed to the left, right, hit the crossbar. It was frustrating to see,” Quiroga admitted.

The Mustangs trailed 1-0 after the first half but a Caden Frazee goal tied the game in the second half. Frazee’s goal was assisted by Kaleb McDonald. The goal came in the final five minutes of the game to secure the tie.

Riley Blount played goalkeeper and had six saves.

“He played very well and was busy. He was clutch throughout the night but his biggest save came late in the second half on a penalty kick. If he does not block that, we likely lose,” noted Quiroga.

Oakdale was scheduled to be on the home pitch on Tuesday, Jan. 14 against Kimball (3-8-3, 0-4-1) in a game played after The Leader went to press, and on Thursday, Jan. 16 they will play a home match against Central Catholic (3-3-2, 0-3-2) with a 5:30 p.m. start time.

“Now that we have played a game and returned to our regular practice, we hope to shake off the rust and play to our full potential,” Quiroga said.

Oakdale’s junior varsity team tied with Weston Ranch 2-2. After trailing 1-0 at the half, Oakdale then fell behind 2-0 in the second half before Ryan Greenhow and Carter Sturtevant each scored a goal. Alfredo Fernandez had two assists in the contest. Vincent Peterson had four saves for Oakdale. The JV Mustangs are now 1-2-1 in Valley Oak League play this season.