POMONA, CA – Menlo Women's Soccer faced a tough test on the road against the No. 12 Cal Poly Pomona Broncos, battling throughout 90 minutes of action. After surrendering two first-half goals, the Oaks tightened defensively in the second half, holding the Broncos scoreless after the break while continuing to create opportunities on the attacking end. Menlo kept pace with 10 shots to test the Broncos goalkeeper, compared to the CPP 17 shots.
Oak Highlights
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Caroline Cordes recorded six saves across 90 minutes in goal, helping the Oaks keep the Broncos off the scoreboard in the second half.
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Aubrey Dollins led Menlo with three shots on target, while Avery Grieve and Charlotte Tamburstuen each added two shot attempts.
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Menlo earned three corner kicks offensively while defending four corner kicks from Cal Poly Pomona.
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The Oaks recorded 10 shots compared to the Broncos' 17, continuing to push forward and generate scoring opportunities throughout the contest.
Oaks Show Resilience
Menlo came out looking to challenge the nationally ranked Broncos, with Olivia Sams testing Cal Poly Pomona goalkeeper just four minutes into the contest. Cordes was busy early, making several key saves to keep the Oaks within striking distance as the Broncos applied pressure. Cal Poly Pomona broke through in the 23rd minute, finding the back of the net. The Broncos added a second goal in the 31st minute.
Despite the early deficit, the Oaks continued to search for openings before halftime, with Dollins and Grieve each registering attempts. Menlo carried that determination into the second half, where the defensive unit settled in and prevented the Broncos from adding to their lead. Cordes continued to come up with important stops, including saves on second-half attempts, to help preserve the scoreless half.
The Oaks also found opportunities to threaten on the attacking end as the game progressed. Dollins and Grieve each forced saves from the Bronco goalkeeper in the 70th and 72nd minutes, respectively, while Menlo generated consecutive corner kicks during that stretch. The Oaks continued applying pressure late in the contest, with Isabel Amador, Tamburstuen and Leilani Phillips each recording shots in the closing minutes. Although Menlo could not find the breakthrough, the team showed resilience against one of the nation's top programs and delivered a stronger defensive performance after the break.
Up Next…
Menlo Women's Soccer returns to action on Thursday, October 15, when the Oaks face the Eagles of CSU Los Angeles at home. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 pm as Menlo looks to carry its second-half defensive momentum into its next matchup.
