ATHERTON, CA

On a beautiful late-summer afternoon at Wunderlich Field, the Oaks took to the pitch for the first time in 2023. In a confident display, the team threatened the Bobcats' goal several times and maintained defensive cohesion en route to a 0-0 tie.

Attacking Threat

The final score of the match is somewhat deceiving, as the Oaks totaled 15 shots, 4 of which were on target. The team took the first few minutes of the game to settle into a rhythm and gauge their opponents' tendencies, and grew into the contest as those habits came more into focus. Menlo had particular success in the wide areas of the field, making a concerted effort to stretch Merced's lines and create gaps for darting runs toward the box. 

Newcomer Antonio Jimenez, who started the match on the right wing, was one of the primary protagonists of that outside-in approach. His speed and technical ability catalyzed several attacks, especially in the immediate aftermaths of several well-weighted passes from right-back Ryan Herrington which bypassed the midfield to catch Merced wrong-footed. Jimenez ended the game with 3 shots, 2 of which were on target, across 62 minutes of action.

Another new arrival who had a significant impact on the game, Johan Mendoza Aguilar, came off the bench to take on Jimenez's role on the outside. Mendoza Aguilar was tenacious going forward, drawing significant attention from the Bobcats' defenders with his speed on and off the ball. That opened up space for another substitute, Mattia Celant, to make his mark toward the center of the field. Mendoza Aguilar and Celant ended the game with 1 shot each, but their contributions went well beyond those numbers.

Defensive Solidity

The Oaks' starting center-backs, returner David Stuber and newcomer Luis Politron, proved to be a formidable duo. Merced did its best to penetrate the Menlo back line, but the Bobcats found that even if they managed to find their way into their offensive third of the field, either Stuber or Politron was there to execute a well-timed challenge. Both were especially effective in the air, with their headers cutting out Merced's attempts to develop aerial threats from the midfield and wings.

Goalkeeper Jo Krumsvik had a quiet day between the posts, with Merced only managing 3 shots, none of which were on target. Despite not needing to make a save, Krumsvik was an important asset for the defensive line. He acted as a pressure release valve several times throughout the 90 minutes, receiving back-passes and helping build out from the back in moments when the Bobcats had several players committed forward.

Up Next

Menlo will remain at home for a pair of games next week. On Thursday, August 24th, Simpson University will visit Wunderlich Field for a 1:00 PM kickoff. Then, on Saturday the 26th, Oregon Tech is the opponent for a 4:00 PM match.