Box Score

ANGWIN, CA

The Oaks traveled into wine country for their season opener Sunday afternoon, dropping a tightly-contested game to the Pioneers by a final score of 2-1.

Box-to-Box Action

In a game filled with offensive opportunities, the Oaks out-shot the Pioneers, 11-9. Of those 11 shots, 3 were taken by midfielder Kawai Acopan, who found the target twice and scored the team's goal deep into the first half. A frenzy in the Pacific Union box seemed to have fizzled out when the goalkeeper punched the ball away, but Acopan was onto it quickly a few yards away from the box, and sensed an opportunity when she saw the keeper remain off her line. After taking a moment to settle the ball, Acopan deftly chipped a shot into the goal to put the Oaks up 1-0.

Sophomore Haley Dunham, operating as one of two strikers, finished the game with 2 shots, 1 of which was on frame. Settling into a new role in 2023, Dunham has shown early signs of the attacking drive that made her a standout freshman in 2022. Her partner up top, fifth-year senior Emily Linares, also put in a good shift on the day, getting a shot off and working hard to keep the Pioneer defense on its heels.

Familiar Faces In Defense

Now in her second season with Menlo, central defender Taryn Thalhamer continued to demonstrate the leadership by example that made her such a foundational part of the team last season. Today, with her excellent instincts and decisive interventions in critical moments, Thalhamer read the game with exceptional clarity. She roamed the field for all 90 minutes of the match, tirelessly thwarting opponents and marshaling her teammates. 

Goalkeeper Giorgia Melcore, getting the start in the first game of her sophomore season, made 4 saves. Her best moment came when a Pioneer free kick whipped toward her far post, but she leapt off her line like an uncoiling spring and made an excellent save. 

Up Next

Menlo will host a pair of games this week. On Thursday, August 24th, the UC Merced Bobcats will visit Wunderlich Field for a 4:00 PM kickoff. Then, on Saturday the 26th, San Francisco State University is the opponent for a 12:00 PM scrimmage in Atherton.