Boys soccer got 2022 off to a great start. The Cougars (11-3-2) hosted Kimball last night and defeated the Jaguars 5-1.

After a defensive struggle for most of the first half, Alexis Chavez knocked home the first Cougars goal in the game’s 30th minute. Shortly after, Sergio Garcia made the game 2-0, and Angel Zapata scored on a beautiful header via a corner kick, making the game 3-0 at halftime.

After the break, the Cougars were a bit sluggish and gave up Kimball’s lone goal 15 minutes into the second half. However, the Cougars responded and sealed the win with goals from Jaime Arreola and Zapata’s second goal. Arreola’s goal came on a penalty kick, and Zapata knocked one in on a free kick from 25 yards out.

Last night’s win was the fifth in a row for Weston Ranch and their first in the VOL.

“Our defense was solid once again,” said head coach Francisco Cisneros. “Marcos Arriaza made some outstanding saves. He had a total of 7.”

Zapata’s goals were his 10th and 11th of the year, and Chavez nailed his 9th.

Weston Ranch will play two more times this week, facing Manteca (2-0-1 and 1-0 in VOL) on January 5 at home, and travel to Central Catholic (0-9-1 and 0-1 in VOL) on January 7.