COSTA MESA, CA – Menlo College Men's Soccer wrapped up its 2025 regular season on Saturday afternoon with a hard-fought 0-1 loss on the road to Vanguard University. In a tightly contested match that saw opportunities on both ends, the Oaks battled to the final whistle in a defensive duel that showcased Menlo's composure, discipline, and resilience. 

Strong Defensive Stand

• Menlo registered 8 total shots, including 5 on target, compared to Vanguard's 10 shots and 6 on goal.

• Goalkeeper Martin Fiala recorded another outstanding performance with 5 saves, totaling 10 saves across the final two matches of the season.

• The Oaks generated 6 corner kicks offensively and successfully defended 5 on the other end.

• The lone goal of the match came in the 56th minute from Vanguard's Adan Alvarado.

• Menlo's attack was led by Jose Garcia, Giuseppe Sigala, and Ian Brusewitz, who each produced quality chances on frame.

• Despite a late penalty opportunity for Vanguard, Fiala made a key save in the 87th minute to keep Menlo within striking distance.

Menlo Pushes Vanguard to the Limit

The Oaks came out strong in Costa Mesa, testing Vanguard's keeper early with a top-shelf strike from Jose "Chicha" Garcia just two minutes into the match. The early tempo set the tone for a fast-paced opening half, with Menlo creating multiple attacking sequences through Garcia, Giuseppe Sigala, and Ian Brusewitz. The trio combined for several close looks, including a sequence in the 36th minute where Brusewitz's low drive forced a diving save from Vanguard's goalkeeper.

Menlo continued to control possession through the midfield, earning six corner kicks and pushing the Lions deep into their defensive third. However, despite the offensive persistence, Vanguard broke through in the 56th minute to give the Lions the eventual game-winner. Fiala was again superb between the posts, denying a series of second-half shots and delivering a highlight-reel penalty save in the 87th minute to keep the Oaks alive late. In the final moments, Menlo pushed numbers forward, with Johan Mendoza Aguilar and Hannes Herrstrom each testing the keeper, but the Lions held on to preserve the narrow win.

The stat sheet reflected the evenness of the match: Menlo held 8 total shots to Vanguard's 10, with 5 of the Oaks' efforts finding the target. Vanguard narrowly edged the Oaks in corner opportunities (5-6), while Menlo's defensive line remained solid under pressure, limiting high-quality looks through the final minutes.

Season in Review

In Head Coach Keith Lambert's eighth season at the helm, the Oaks close out a memorable 2025 campaign with an 11-4-2 overall record and a 5-3-2 finish in PacWest play, placing sixth in the conference standings. The season was defined by grit, late-game comebacks, and collective determination that reflected the identity of Menlo Soccer.

Menlo opened the year with a dominant 5-1 preseason record, their only loss a narrow 0-1 defeat to then-No. 2 Stanislaus State. The Oaks went on to defeat several CCAA powerhouses, setting a high standard heading into PacWest play. Each conference match brought unique challenges and showcased the team's depth, character, and chemistry. As the Oaks look ahead, they do so with pride in a season filled with standout performances, highlight-reel goals, and memorable wins, each contributing to another strong chapter in Menlo College Soccer history.