ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Men's Soccer secured their second 3-1 victory in a row over an NCAA foe after taking down the Lumberjacks of Cal Poly Humboldt in their official home opener at Wunderlich Field. The Oaks showcased their resilience and skill in the exhilarating match against Cal Poly Humboldt after overcoming a 0-1 deficit in the early minutes of the first half.
A True Team Effort Shines
The Oaks faced an early challenge as Cal Poly Humboldt took the lead just minutes into the match. Despite the setback, Menlo's determination and strategic play soon turned the tide in their favor.
In the 36th minute, Menlo's persistence paid off when they earned a corner kick. Liam Elliott delivered a precise ball into the box, setting up a chaotic but ultimately rewarding sequence. Luis Politron's header positioned the ball perfectly for Saul Gutierrez, whose decisive strike beat the Lumberjacks' goalkeeper and leveled the score at 1-1.
The momentum shifted in favor of Menlo as they continued to press. The go-ahead goal arrived in the 62nd minute through a well-executed counterattack. Following a turnover by the Lumberjacks, a quick transition saw left winger Oliver Mayer delivering a masterful touch and a perfectly timed through ball to forward Mattia Celant. Celant's near-post finish off his left foot put Menlo ahead 2-1.
To cement their lead, Menlo added a third goal in the 75th minute. Another corner kick found the ball outside the Lumberjacks 18-yard box. Liam Elliott serviced the ball back into the box and found Eder Carrasco who touched it towards Isak Haukefaer. Haukefaer's powerful strike into the side netting sealed the game with a 3-1 scoreline. The energy at Wunderlich Field was electric, reflecting the Oaks' strong performance and their exciting new chapter in NCAA competition.
Final Line of Defense Looked Strong
Menlo's starting goalkeeper, Martin Fiala, was instrumental in the Oaks victory on Wunderlich. The junior transfer demonstrated remarkable composure and leadership throughout the match. Despite conceding an early goal, Fiala's resilience shone through as he made two crucial saves that preserved Menlo's chances. His contributions extended beyond just stopping shots, as he frequently ventured outside his box to clear the ball and shatter any breakaway opportunities from the Lumberjacks. Fiala's commanding presence and decisive actions were pivotal in securing a well-earned win in their home opener.
Up Next….
Menlo College Men's Soccer will look to carry their strong performance into their upcoming match this Saturday, September 14th, as they take on the Pioneers of Cal State East Bay in Hayward, CA. Kick-Off is set for 11am with live stat and stream links available at Menloathletics.com
