SAN RAFAEL, CA – Menlo Women's Soccer battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw against Dominican University on Saturday afternoon in PacWest Conference action. The Oaks struck with a stunning free-kick goal from Kawai Acopan in the 37th minute and later rallied behind a late equalizer from Kaylin Gonzalez in the 83rd to earn a hard-fought point on the road. In a physical, back-and-forth matchup, Menlo showed grit and composure against a determined Penguins squad.

Fought to the Finish

• Kawai Acopan (37') and Kaylin Gonzalez (83') scored for the Oaks.

• Acopan opened the scoring with a curling free kick that found the net untouched.

• Gonzalez netted the equalizer after pressuring the keeper and defense late in the match.

• Goalkeeper Giorgia Melcore played all 90 minutes and made six saves.

• Menlo recorded 11 shots with 8 on goal.

• Dominican finished with 12 shots and 5 on target.

• The Oaks earned 2 corner kicks and defended 6.

• Menlo picked up three yellow cards in a physical contest.

Late Heroics Earns Draw

The Oaks came out with energy and focus, controlling the tempo early in the first half. Their persistence paid off in the 37th minute when Kawai Acopan stepped up for a free kick about 25 yards out from goal. Her lofted ball into the box bounced through traffic untouched, curling past the goalkeeper and into the net to give Menlo a 1-0 advantage. Dominican pressed back with several offensive pushes, but goalkeeper Giorgia Melcore came up big with multiple saves, preserving the lead heading into halftime.

Dominican responded quickly after the break, scoring in the 48th minute to level the match at one apiece. The Penguins added another in the 63rd minute to take a 2-1 lead. Despite the setback, Menlo continued to battle. The Oaks kept the pressure on through the final stretch, creating multiple chances led by Acopan and Ruby Doerr. Their resilience paid off in the 83rd minute when Kaylin Gonzalez broke through the defense. After a cross from Aaliyah Alatorre, Gonzalez forced a miscommunication between the Dominican keeper and defender, slotting the ball into the back of the net for the equalizer.

The closing minutes saw both teams pushing for the go-ahead goal, with Acopan nearly securing the game-winner in the 89th minute, but her shot was stopped by the Dominican keeper. In the end, the two sides settled for a hard-fought 2-2 draw after a physical, competitive 90 minutes.

Up Next

Menlo returns to action on Thursday, October 30th, for another PacWest Conference matchup as they take on the Silverswords of Chaminade University. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM.