MIAMI GARDENS, FL – Menlo Men's Soccer made program history on Thursday by earning their first win in a National Tournament. The victory over the College of Idaho Yotes was secured by a score of 2-1 thanks to Isak Haukefier and Sebastian Lopez. This is Coach Keith Lambert's, third appearance on the national stage at the helm of the Men's program in the past seven seasons. Lambert was named GSAC Coach of the Year for his leadership this 2023 season and this team win proves just how bought in the Oaks are for each other! The second round of the NAIA Championship Tournament will take place on Saturday against St. Thomas University.
Haukefier and Lopez Tally Early Lead For Oaks
Menlo held possession in the first half while testing the defensive line of the Yotes. It was the 15th minute of the first when center back David Stuber decided to send a long ball from the 50 yard line into forward Mattia Celants feet. After Celant recognized two defenders pressing hard, that left Isak Haukefier wide open near the 6 yard box. The forward from Bergen, Norway showed finesse while placing the ball past the goalkeeper into the side netting to give the Oaks the lead! This would account for Isak's 6th goal of the season across 14 matches played. As Coach Lambert once put it, "The Viking never disappoints"!
The Oaks were continuing their efforts to increase their lead as the first half was ticking down. Antonio Jimenez fired off another shot just wide of the goal frame to give College of Idaho a goal kick. From this kick, Menlo regained possession and held the ball between the back line until Dennis Vannin found a gap. A skillful touch from midfielder Sebastian Lopez to get past the Idaho defender sent him on a breakaway into the box. Lopez threaded the ball perfectly between the Yote defender sliding in and the goalkeeper and placed it in the back of the net. The last time Sebastian found the goal was against OUAZ during the conference opener in September when Menlo won 5-1. The junior from Pescadero, California came off of the bench today and made the difference to score the goal that ultimately secured the win in the end!
Oaks Win as a Unit
In a side-by-side comparison between Menlo and College of Idaho, it was a fairly even match up. This was the first time the two squads had ever faced each other in program history so it was a new opponent all around. Both teams tallied 8 shots; the Oaks managed to be on frame for 4 of those shots and the Yotes on frame twice. Goalkeeper Jo Krumsvik had 1 save across the 90 minutes but still played a vital role in the Oaks victory today. It may not have been the stats sheet but rather the Oaks' composure to finish a game with minimal cautions and high spirits that earned today's victory.
Up Next….
The Oaks have one day to recover and reset before they hit the pitch on Saturday, November 18th for the second round of the NAIA National Championship Tournament. Menlo faces #3 St. Thomas University on their home field in Miami Gardens, Florida at 6pm EST/ 3pm PST!
