ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Women's Soccer battled Cal State LA on Wednesday at Wunderlich field, with center back Hailey Stevanus scoring her first goal as an Oak in the second half. Despite the milestone strike sparking a late push, Menlo fell 1-2 to the Golden Eagles after conceding twice in the second half.
Oak Notes
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Hailey Stevanus scored her first goal as an Oak, rewarding her consistent contributions as a mainstay in Menlo's backline.
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Isabel Amador recorded the assist on Stevanus' goal.
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Caroline Cordes finished with seven saves in goal for the Oaks, her season-high so far.
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Menlo scored just 12 seconds after Cal State LA doubled its lead.
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The Oaks continued to generate chances late, putting pressure on the Golden Eagles' defense in the closing minutes.
From Backline Anchor to Goal Scorer
Menlo and Cal State LA played a scoreless first half, with both teams searching for an early breakthrough. Cordes kept the Golden Eagles off the scoreboard with four first-half saves, including a pair of stops during a dangerous stretch in the 21st minute. The Oaks created opportunities of their own, as Aubrey Dollins and Leilani Phillips sent shots just wide before Avery Grieve tested the Cal State LA goalkeeper with a shot on target in the closing minutes of the half.
The Golden Eagles broke through shortly after halftime, scoring in the 49th minute to take a 1-0 lead. Menlo looked to respond, with Amador and Phillips generating attempts early in the half before Grieve and Olivia Sams continued to test the Cal State LA defense. Cordes remained active in goal, adding three more saves to keep the Oaks within reach. Cal State LA found the back of the net again in the 79th minute, extending its advantage to 2-0.
The Oaks answered almost immediately with a special moment for one of their most dependable defenders. Just 12 seconds after the Golden Eagles' second goal, Stevanus scored her first goal as an Oak off an assist from Amador to bring Menlo within one. The Oaks would earn a free kick in their offensive third near the left sideline. Amador sent a beautifully lofted ball to the back post where she would find an open Stevanus who volleyed the ball one-touch past the goalkeeper into the back of the net. Her goal gave Menlo renewed momentum, and the Oaks continued to push for an equalizer. Grieve forced another save in the 80th minute, while Aubrey Dollins put a shot on target in the 86th. Menlo also earned two corner kicks in the closing stages, but the equalizer remained elusive as Cal State LA held on for the 1-2 victory.
Up Next…
Menlo returns to action on Saturday, October 17th against the Warriors of Stanislaus State for their next CCAA matchup. The Oaks look to bounce back and build on their late-game response on their OAKtoberfest Alumni and Family weekend. This year features the Hall of Fame Class of 2026, including Menlo Women's Soccer's very own Ryanne Bergstrom. Join the fun on Saturday!
