For a vital important San Joaquin Athletic Association soccer match, it was a pretty impressive start when the Tracy High varsity boys soccer team took an early 1-0 lead Friday over the visiting Franklin Yellowjackets.

But the lead lasted just 10 minutes before Franklin scored the first of five consecutive goals on the way to a 6-3 victory. Tracy’s loss left the defending league champions with a 2-3 record (3-5-1 overall) and in fourth place behind Lincoln, Franklin and Lodi, all of which have beaten the Bulldogs in the first of three head-to-head matchups.

That’s the one highlight his team has to look forward to, said Tracy coach Phil Kalis.

“We’re in a tough spot, but we’ve got Lincoln next and we match up well with them — if we settle down,” he said.

Senior Eric Valencia’s free-kick goal at the 11th minute of the first half against Franklin gave Tracy a lead that would be wasted when Franklin, in rapid succession from a host of different players, scored in the 21st, 25th, 29th, 30th and 33rd minutes of the first half.

“Five goals in 12 minutes,” Kalis said, “they had a beautiful passing game and stretched us (on defense). When we got behind, it was difficult to defend.”

Junior Guillermo Garcia did trim the Franklin lead to 5-2 when he lifted a left-footed volley into the net following a long crossing pass about 15 minutes into the second half

But the Yellowjackets quickly regained their four-goal lead. Omar Quintana, a Bulldog senior, got the last score in the 31st minute of the second half when a free kick rebounded to him and he headed the ball into the net.

JV

Tracy 0, Franklin 0

In junior varsity action, Tracy and Franklin hooked up in a tie, as both squads displayed solid defenses.

The Bulldogs (2-1-1 SJAA, 4-4-1 overall) were led by sweeper Kevin Clemente, stopper Tyler Bozek and defenders Aaron Murray and Miguel Flores. Goalie Ivan Nunes, in his first start, saved four shots.

Girls Tennis

West 5, Edison 0

West High won all the matches without losing a set in going to 2-0 in Tri-City Athletic League play in Stockton. No. 1 singles player Ilah Estrada won 6-1, 6-1 to lead the Wolf Pack. Also cleaning up were Cherie Romauldo and Gabby Ramirez in singles. Doubles teams of Erika Sembrano and Jasmin Fonseca and Raman Deol and Ashley Lesage also didn’t miss a beat with Deol and Lesage losing just one game.