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Decisive League Wins On Pitch For Soccer Bruins
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Riverbanks Oscar Jimenez, 11, shoots toward the goal in first period varsity soccer action in Escalon in the Trans-Valley League opener Sept. 16 as Cougars Jacob Gutierrez, 25, and Carlos Coreno, 12, move in to defend. The Bruins prevailed over the Cougars, 4-0, with two goals by Jimenez. - photo by Ric McGinnis/The News

Kicking off the Trans-Valley League campaign strong, the Riverbank Bruins varsity soccer team shut out a pair of league opponents in the opening week of play.

On the road Monday, Sept. 16, the Bruins scored two goals in each half on the way to a 4-0 shutout of host Escalon. Oscar Jimenez netted a pair, with Eduardo Estrada and Rodrigo Quintero also finding the net. John Martinez notched an assist and goalie Robert Serrato stopped six Cougar shots.

Defensive standout was sweeper/midfielder Eric Hernandez, who successfully stymied many Cougar advances into Bruin territory, reading the plays well and coming away with several intercepted passes.

The JV Bruins left Escalon with a tough 4-2 loss.

On Wednesday, Sept. 18 the Bruins were home to host Orestimba and blasted the Warriors in a 5-0 final. Estrada had two goals on the afternoon, as did Jimenez, with Nathaniel Martinez also finding the net. Several players chipped in with assists, paced by Quintero with two. Single helpers came from Jesus Yepez, Edgar Garcia, Adrian Benitez and Miguel Guzman.

Serrato stopped eight shots on goal in the victory.

The Bruins were scheduled to play at Hilmar on Monday, Sept. 23 after The News went to press and will be on the home field for a game against Ripon on Monday, Sept. 30.