AZUSA, CA – In their final PacWest Conference road trip of the season, Menlo Men's Soccer delivered a gutsy defensive performance under the lights Thursday night, earning a 0-0 draw against Azusa Pacific University. The Oaks battled for 90 minutes in a tightly contested match defined by physical play, smart defending, and standout goalkeeping on both sides.

Defensive Grit Defines Menlo's Road Draw

• Martin Fiala recorded five saves for his third shutout of the season.

• Oaks and Cougars play to a 0-0 draw after a full 90 minutes of end-to-end action.

• Menlo finishes with 6 total shots (3 on goal) and 3 corner kicks.

• Defense holds firm, limiting APU to 12 shots (5 on goal) while defending 5 corners.

• Giuseppe Sigala led the offense with 2 shots, including a top-corner strike in the 72nd minute that forced a highlight-reel save.

• Jose "Chicha" Garcia, Parker Faeth, and Isak Haukefaer each contribute strong efforts in the attacking third.

Until the Final Whistle

The tone was set early as both sides looked to establish control, with Menlo's organized defense and quick counterattack challenging Azusa Pacific's rhythm. Just nine minutes in, Isak Haukefaer nearly put the Oaks ahead when his shot hit the back of the net, but was called back after a referee review for a handball, Menlo's best look of the first half. Goalkeeper Martin Fiala was immediately called into action, making back-to-back saves in the 16th and 17th minutes to deny the Cougars from close range. As the half progressed, Menlo absorbed Azusa's offensive pressure while staying composed in possession. Giuseppe Sigala fired a left-footed effort in the 22nd minute that sailed just wide, and the Oaks' defensive unit, anchored by Donald Holliday, David Stuber, and Davis Boogman, kept the Cougars scoreless heading into halftime.

The second half saw an increase in intensity, with both teams trading opportunities in a goalkeeper showcase. Fiala continued to stand tall, adding two more saves within the first 15 minutes of the half to keep the score level. Menlo's attack began to find rhythm as Sigala nearly broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, sending a rocket toward the upper-right corner that was miraculously parried away by APU's goalkeeper. Moments later, Parker Faeth and Jose "Chicha" Garcia each fired shots on frame, both stopped by Rodriguez in a three-minute stretch of high drama. By the final whistle, neither side could find a breakthrough, with both goalkeepers standing firm. 

The Oaks recorded 6 total shots (3 on frame) and generated 3 corner kicks, while Fiala's five-save performance anchored a strong defensive outing. Azusa Pacific managed 12 shots (5 on target) and 5 corners, but Menlo's defensive line refused to break. The scoreless result marked Fiala's third shutout of the 2025 campaign and another strong team showing as the Oaks closed out their road schedule.

Up Next

The Oaks close out the regular season on Saturday, November 8, when they travel to face the Lions of Vanguard University at 12:30 p.m. in Costa Mesa, CA for the final PacWest Conference matchup of the 2025 campaign.