ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Women's Soccer battled to a 1-1 draw against the Silverswords of Chaminade University on Thursday afternoon at Wunderlich Field in a gritty PacWest Conference showdown. The Oaks entered the match looking to protect home turf and build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. Despite falling behind late in the first half, Menlo showed resilience and composure, finding their equalizer early in the second half to keep the Silverswords at bay. Both sides created dangerous opportunities throughout the 90 minutes, but neither could find the decisive finish, resulting in a hard-earned point for the Oaks on home ground.

Level Ground at Wunderlich

• The Oaks' lone goal came from Kaylin Gonzalez, assisted by Verenia Gonzalez, in the 51st minute.

• Goalkeeper Giorgia Melcore made six key saves, putting her just three away from the all-time Menlo record.

• Menlo recorded 14 shots with 4 on frame, while Chaminade totaled 19 shots with 7 on goal.

• The Oaks earned 2 corner kicks and successfully defended 7 from the Silverswords.

Unbroken Oaks

The first half was a defensive battle, with both sides pressing high and trading early fouls to disrupt rhythm. Chaminade managed to break through in the 43rd minute giving the Silverswords a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime. Menlo's backline—anchored by Thalhamer, Doerr, and Swartz—held strong despite waves of Chaminade pressure, while goalkeeper Giorgia Melcore came up with multiple key saves to keep the Oaks within striking distance.

Menlo came out with renewed energy after the break. Their persistence paid off in the 51st minute when the Oaks earned a free kick in the attacking third. Verenia Gonzalez lofted a perfectly placed ball into the box, where Kaylin Gonzalez made a timely run and buried a one-touch finish past the goalkeeper to even the score at 1-1. The Oaks nearly took the lead moments later when Gonzalez struck the left woodwork, and Menlo continued to push for a winner through Devereaux, Brunzell, and Grigsby up top. Chaminade countered with several late chances of their own, forcing Melcore into a series of highlight-reel saves. Her sixth and final stop came in the closing minutes, preserving the draw for Menlo. With the result, the Oaks showed grit and balance on both sides of the ball, continuing to build momentum heading into their final home match of the season.

Up Next

Menlo Women's Soccer will wrap up their PacWest home schedule on Saturday, November 1, when they host the Hawai'i Pacific University Sharks at 11:00 a.m. at Wunderlich Field. Prior to kickoff, the Oaks will honor their 14 seniors in a special Senior Day ceremony beginning at 10:00 a.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to celebrate the senior class and cheer on the Oaks in their final home match of the season.