AZUSA, CA – Menlo Women's Soccer team pulled off its biggest result of the season under the lights Thursday night, taking down first-place Azusa Pacific University in a 1-0 upset thriller. In a game fueled by grit, teamwork, and timely heroics, the Oaks earned their first conference victory under Head Coach Matthew Kemp, knocking off the PacWest leaders on their home field.

Landmark Win Over Top-Ranked Cougars

• Aaliyah Grigsby scored the game's lone goal in the 23rd minute off a perfectly timed assist from Allison Canchola, with Judd Eldgredge Sagapolutele initiating the play by lofting the ball into the box.

• The goal marked Grigsby's first of the season and gave the Oaks an early 1-0 advantage they would never relinquish.

• Goalkeeper Giorgia Melcore recorded five clutch saves, earning her third shutout of the season in what was arguably the best performance of her career.

• Menlo's defense stood tall, holding the PacWest's first-place Cougars scoreless despite facing 14 total shots and 10 corner kicks.

• The Oaks made the most of their chances, finishing with two shots on goal, both on target. 

• Despite going down a player following a late red card in the 84th minute, the Oaks stayed composed and closed out the win with a relentless defensive effort.

• The victory represents Menlo's first PacWest win under Head Coach Matthew Kemp, capping off a statement performance against the top team in the PacWest standings.

Defensive Masterclass

After an early save by goalkeeper Giorgia Melcore in the 8th minute, the Oaks pushed forward in transition. In the 16th minute, Devyn Casteel tested APU's keeper with a shot to the top right corner, setting the tone that Menlo came to compete. Moments later, in the 23rd minute, Menlo capitalized on their momentum. Judd Eldredge Sagapolutele lofted a perfectly placed ball into the box toward Allison Canchola, whose aggressive positioning drew the Cougar goalkeeper off her line. With the defense scattered, Canchola quickly slipped a pass across the goalmouth to Aaliyah Grigsby, who calmly tapped it in for the 1-0 lead. The goal sent the Oaks' sideline into celebration and Menlo into the driver's seat against the PacWest's top-ranked team.

From there, the defense took over. The Cougars ramped up pressure, earning 10 corner kicks and firing off 14 total shots, but Melcore anchored an impenetrable Menlo back line. The senior goalkeeper recorded five clutch saves, including a diving stop in the 68th minute and another in the 86th to preserve the shutout. Even after the Oaks went down to 10 players following a red card in the 84th minute, Menlo refused to break, clearing every cross, blocking every lane, and fighting until the final whistle. When the clock struck 90:00, the Oaks erupted in celebration. Against all odds and under the road lights, Menlo had conquered the Cougars for one of the most defining wins this season.

Up Next

The Oaks close out the regular season on Saturday, November 8, at the Lions of Vanguard University at 10:00 a.m. for the final PacWest matchup of the 2025 campaign in Costa Mesa, CA.