ATHERTON, CA – Menlo College Men's Soccer delivered a competitive performance against the nation's top-ranked team on Thursday afternoon, battling Cal State LA for 90 minutes at Wunderlich Field. Despite creating quality scoring opportunities and receiving a season-high seven saves from goalkeeper Vebjoern Madshus, the Oaks fell 2-0 to the Golden Eagles in an entertaining afternoon of soccer.
Oak Highlights
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Vebjørn Madshus recorded a season-high seven saves in 72 minutes of action.
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Menlo created several quality scoring chances against the nation's top-ranked defense.
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Tim Schwarz, Hugo Few and Diego Ruiz each tested Cal State LA's goalkeeper with shots on target.
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The Oaks continued to compete and generate attacking opportunities against one of the nation's best teams.
Oaks Challenge the Top
Menlo came out ready to challenge the top-ranked Golden Eagles, creating opportunities early in the contest. Tim Schwarz led the initial attacking push, putting three shots toward goal in the opening 18 minutes, including two attempts that forced Cal State LA goalkeeper to make a save. Manuel Portillo also tested the Golden Eagles' defense as the Oaks worked to establish their offensive rhythm.
On the other end of the field, Madshus kept Menlo within reach with a series of impressive saves. The goalkeeper turned away dangerous attempts throughout the first half, including a shot in the 20th minute and another late in the period. After holding strong through the opening 38 minutes, the Oaks conceded the first goal when the Eagles found the back of the net. Menlo entered halftime trailing 1-0 but remained firmly in the contest.
The Oaks continued to battle after the break, with Madshus adding several more saves to his season-high total. Cal State LA extended its lead in the 66th minute when Ceja scored his second goal of the afternoon. Despite the two-goal deficit, Menlo continued pushing forward and created late chances to get on the scoreboard. Few put a shot on target in the 85th minute, followed by another opportunity from Ruiz in the 89th, but the Golden Eagles goalkeeper came up with saves on both attempts. Madshus finished his afternoon with seven saves across 72 minutes, delivering an impressive performance against the nation's top-ranked team. Although the result went against the Oaks, Menlo demonstrated its ability to compete with elite opposition and produced plenty of encouraging moments at Wunderlich Field.
Up Next…
Menlo returns to Wunderlich Field on Saturday, October 17, to take on the Warriors of Stanislaus State, with kickoff scheduled for 3 pm. The match will be part of Menlo College's annual OAKtoberFest Alumni and Family Weekend, giving fans, alumni and families another opportunity to cheer on the Oaks.
