MERCED, CA – Menlo College Men's soccer battled through a lengthy weather delay and a late-night matchup against UC Merced on Thursday, but the Oaks came up just short in a 1-0 road loss to the Bobcats. After an hour-and-a-half thunder delay pushed back the contest, Menlo fought throughout the evening to find an equalizer but was unable to overcome UC Merced's first-half penalty kick.
Oak Highlights
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Vebjørn Madshus recorded two saves to keep the Oaks within striking distance.
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Menlo created attacking opportunities throughout both halves, including late chances to find the equalizer.
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The Oaks earned nine corner kicks and continued to pressure the Bobcats down the stretch. They did not give any corner kicks up on defense.
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Six Oak starters went the full 90-minutes of play: Madshus, Sam Archer, Liam Brittenstam, Aidan Bautista, Diego Ruiz, and Giuseppe Sigala.
Late Push Falls Short
Menlo came out ready to compete despite the unusual start to the evening, creating early attacking opportunities and putting pressure on the Bobcats' defense. Manuel Portillo and Roy Rosenberg tested the UC Merced back line in the opening minutes, while Madshus came up with an early save to deny the Bobcats and keep the match scoreless. Tim Schwarz and Portillo continued to generate chances as the first half progressed, but the Bobcats goalkeeper turned aside Menlo's attempts.
UC Merced broke through in the 30th minute, converting a penalty kick to take a 1-0 lead. The Oaks continued to battle following the setback, looking to respond before halftime and carrying that urgency into the second period. Menlo generated additional opportunities through Janne Spangenberg and Hugo Few, while Madshus remained steady in goal, making another save in the second half to prevent the Bobcats from extending their advantage.
As the clock wound down, the Oaks continued searching for the equalizer. Enrico Ehret, Few and Spangenberg all looked to spark the attack, while Giuseppe Sigala put a late shot on target that was saved by the keeper. Menlo also earned a corner kick in the closing minutes, but the Bobcats held firm to preserve the shutout and secure the 1-0 result.
Up Next…
The Oaks return home on Saturday, October 24, for a 2 pm kickoff against Dominguez Hills. Before the match, Menlo will honor their eight graduating seniors on Senior Day, celebrating their contributions to the program and their time representing the Oaks.
