ATHERTON, CA – In a hard-fought non-conference showdown between familiar PacWest foes, Menlo Women's Soccer hosted Dominican University at Wunderlich Field on Saturday. Despite an energetic 90-minute performance and several near-equalizing chances, the Oaks ultimately fell 0-1 to the Penguins.

Relentless Effort

• The Oaks fired 12 total shots, with 4 on target, while holding Dominican to just one goal despite 13 total shots and 9 on frame.

• Goalkeeper Lily Roberts made an outstanding 8 saves in her starting debut, keeping Menlo within striking distance throughout.

• Menlo earned 7 corner kicks, including a late opportunity that appeared to tie the game before being disallowed.

• Taryn Thalhamer nearly scored the equalizer in the closing minutes with a header goal off a corner, but it was called back.

• The Oaks showed relentless pressure late in the second half, outshooting Dominican 5-2 in the final 10 minutes.

Late Surge Falls Short

The match opened with both sides testing each other early. Sophomore goalkeeper Lily Roberts was called into action right away, making a sharp save in the sixth minute to deny Dominican's attack. Menlo quickly responded with a pair of shots from Kaylin Gonzalez and Haley Dunham, forcing a save from the Penguins' keeper. Dominican managed to break through in the 15th minute giving the visitors a 0-1 lead. The Oaks settled into their rhythm after the goal, stringing together strong possession spells and earning multiple corner kicks. Roberts continued to shine between the posts, making three more key saves before halftime to keep the deficit at one. On the other end, Dunham and Kawai Acopan kept pressure on Dominican's back line with two shots on frame just before the break.

The second half was marked by Menlo's growing momentum and intensity. The Oaks ramped up their attack with dangerous runs from Allison Canchola, Taryn Thalhamer, and Verenia Gonzalez. Roberts continued her stellar debut, tallying five more saves to frustrate the Penguins' offense. Menlo's best moment came in the 87th minute when Thalhamer connected on a powerful header off a corner kick that appeared to be the equalizer, but the goal was waved off due to a controversial call inside the box. The Oaks continued pressing until the final whistle, showing determination and grit despite the narrow 0-1 loss.

Final stats favored Dominican slightly with 13 shots (9 on goal) to Menlo's 12 (4 on goal). The Oaks earned 7 corner kicks to Dominican's 5, while Roberts and Dominican's goalkeeper finished with 8 and 4 saves, respectively.

Up Next

The Oaks are back on the road for another non-conference matchup as they make the trip to the UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs on Thursday, October 16th at 4:00 PM. Menlo will look to carry their late-game energy and fighting spirit into the next contest as they aim to bounce back and protect their home turf.