ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Men's Soccer returned to Wunderlich Field in front of an energetic home crowd for a non-conference preseason test against Chico State. The matchup was a showcase of pace, possession, and physicality as both teams exchanged chances for a full 90 minutes. In the end, it was Menlo who capitalized late, securing a 1-0 victory after a clutch penalty goal in the 82nd minute.
Oaks Stay Unbeaten at Home
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Game-winner in the 82nd minute: Chicha Garcia earned a penalty after being fouled in the box; Giuseppe Sigala buried the PK.
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Now with 5 assists and his first goal of the season, Giuseppe Sigala has contributed in every match this year.
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Senior goalkeeper Martin Fiala made 3 key saves, keeping Chico off the scoreboard.
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Menlo registered 10 shots (2 on target) and 5 corners, while Chico fired 12 shots (3 on target) and earned 6 corners.
Penalty Kick Decides It
From the opening whistle, both sides came out aggressive, testing each other's backline. Chico State generated the first pressure with a corner in the 3rd minute, while Menlo responded with shots from Jose Garcia and Giuseppe Sigala just moments later. Tim Schwarz and David Stuber also pushed attempts forward, but Chico's defense held firm. Chico's most dangerous chances came in the 20th and 71st minutes, each testing goalkeeper Martin Fiala. Fiala's sharp reflexes denied both, as the Oaks' defense stayed composed against Chico's relentless pace.
As the game wore on, the intensity only grew. Both teams fought for midfield control, resulting in several fouls and three yellow cards. In the 82nd minute, the breakthrough came: Chicha Garcia drove into the Wildcats' box and was brought down hard, drawing a penalty. With the pressure on, Giuseppe Sigala stepped up and buried the spot kick into the net, sending the crowd into a roar. Menlo protected the lead through the final whistle, with Fiala and the backline absorbing Chico's last pushes.
Up Next
The Oaks now turn their attention to the official start of PacWest Conference play. Menlo hosts the Vulcans of Hawaii Hilo at Wunderlich field on Friday, September, September 26 at 4pm. The matchup will serve as the first test in a competitive PacWest slate as the Oaks look to build momentum from their preseason success into league play.
