ATHERTON, CA – The Oaks were back at Wunderlich Field on Thursday afternoon and delivered another thrilling performance in front of their home fans. After trailing 1-0 at halftime, Menlo Men's Soccer stormed back with a pair of second-half goals to defeat Westmont College, 2-1, in PacWest Conference play. The crowd was roaring as Menlo earned the go-ahead in the 82nd minute.

Menlo Overcomes

• The Oaks erased a 1-0 halftime deficit with two second-half goals.

• Manuel Portillo equalized in the 63rd minute with a powerful strike off the post.

• Jose "Chicha" Garcia scored the game-winner in the 82nd minute.

• Goalkeeper Martin Fiala made three key saves, including one in the 87th minute.

• Menlo outshot Westmont 12-9 and out-saved them 3-1.

• The Oaks earned 6 corner kicks while limiting the Warriors to 3.

• Both teams battled physically, combining for 35 fouls.

Second-Half Brilliance Propels Menlo

The match began with both teams trading early looks on goal. Menlo's David Stuber tested the Warriors' goalkeeper in the opening minute, but it was Westmont who struck first in the 16th minute to give the visitors a 0-1 advantage. The Oaks created several first-half chances through Parker Faeth and Davis Boogman, forcing the Warriors to defend deep as Menlo earned three corner kicks in quick succession midway through the half.

After regrouping at halftime, the Oaks came out energized and on the front foot. Their persistence paid off in the 63rd minute when Manuel Portillo produced his first goal of the season, taking a skillful touch over his defender before blasting a shot that ricocheted off the post and into the back of the net to level the match at 1-1. Menlo continued to press forward, controlling possession and testing Westmont's backline.

The breakthrough came again in the 82nd minute when Jose "Chicha" Garcia found himself in perfect position to punish a defensive mis-clearance inside the 18-yard box, slotting home the go-ahead goal to put Menlo in front 2-1. In the closing minutes, goalkeeper Martin Fiala delivered clutch saves, including a diving stop in the 87th minute to preserve the lead. The Oaks held firm defensively to secure the comeback victory and earn three crucial PacWest points at home.

Up Next

Menlo will stay in Atherton for a non-conference matchup against the Keelhaulers of Cal Poly Maritime on Tuesday, October 14th at 4:00 PM at Wunderlich Field. The Oaks will look to extend their home success and continue building momentum before resuming PacWest play.