SAN RAFAEL, CA – Menlo Men's Soccer delivered a strong all-around performance on Saturday afternoon, defeating Dominican University 3-1 in a PacWest Conference matchup. The Oaks struck early, capitalized on set-piece opportunities, and locked down defensively in the second half to secure all three points on the road.
Oaks Control Both Ends of the Field
-
Menlo earned a 3–1 road win over Dominican in San Rafael.
-
Johan Mendoza Aguilar opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a left-footed strike to the upper corner.
-
Isak Haukefaer put Menlo back in front in the 23rd minute, assisted by David Stuber and Roy Rosenberg.
-
Roy Rosenberg added an insurance goal in the 46th minute on a cross from Tyler Maas.
-
Menlo totaled 10 shots, including 5 on goal. Dominican was limited to 6 shots with 2 on frame.
-
Menlo earned 5 corner kicks and scored on one of them. The Oaks defended both of Dominican's corner attempts.
-
Goalkeeper Martin Fiala made 1 save in the win. Dominican's recorded 2 saves.
Mendoza Aguilar, Haukefaer, and Rosenberg Power Menlo
Menlo came out firing early, setting the pace with sharp ball movement and creative attacking play. In the 12th minute, Johan Mendoza Aguilar turned a defensive miscue into a highlight-reel goal. After combination play between Roy Rosenberg and Oliver Mayer broke down near the sideline, Mendoza Aguilar won the ball back with a sneaky tackle at the top of the box and ripped a left-footed strike into the upper right corner for the opener.
Dominican responded just three minutes later, finding the equalizer off a corner kick in the 15th minute. But Menlo answered quickly and decisively. In the 23rd minute, the Oaks made the most of a set piece of their own. A clever lofted ball from Rosenberg found David Stuber at the back post, who redirected it to Isak Haukefaer for a simple tap-in to regain the lead, 2-1. Right out of halftime, Menlo struck again. Tyler Maas whipped a precise cross into the box, and Rosenberg, left unmarked, controlled it smoothly and placed a low shot into the bottom left corner to extend the advantage to 3-1. From there, the Oaks' defensive unit, anchored by Stuber, Donald Holliday, and goalkeeper Martin Fiala, held firm. Fiala made a key save late in the match as Menlo closed out the win, controlling possession and limiting Dominican to just two shots on frame.
Up Next
Menlo returns home to Atherton for another PacWest showdown against the Silverswords of Chaminade University on Thursday, October 30th at 4:00 PM. The Oaks will look to carry their momentum forward as they continue their late-season push in conference play.