ATHERTON, CA – With the season opener hanging in the balance and a hard-fought comeback within reach, Tim Schwarz delivered the moment the Oaks needed most. Menlo scored twice after falling behind in the opening minute and rode a second-half header from Schwarz to a gritty 2-1 victory over Colorado School of Mines on Thursday evening at Wunderlich Field.
The win opened the 2026 campaign in dramatic fashion for the Oaks and kicked off the Menlo Kick-Off Classic, which welcomed Colorado School of Mines, Cal Poly Humboldt and Fresno Pacific to Atherton for opening weekend. After an early punch from the visitors, Menlo settled in, controlled the momentum for long stretches and eventually erupted in celebration after completing the comeback on their home field.
Oak Leaders
The Schwarz Is With Us
The match got off to a difficult start for Menlo as Colorado School of Mines found the back of the net just 35 seconds into the contest. Rather than allowing the early goal to dictate the match, the Oaks settled in and began taking control of possession while growing increasingly dangerous in the attacking third.
Menlo's breakthrough came late in the first half. After regaining possession near the top of the 18-yard box, Matti Klause delivered a header that set up Sidhu for a one-touch finish into the bottom-right corner, leveling the match at 1-1 just before halftime. The goal sent Menlo into the break with new life and all the momentum heading into the second half.
The Oaks continued to push and finally found their breakthrough in the 79th minute. Building out from the back and working the ball up the right sideline, Marcos Garcia threaded a pass ahead to Janne Spangenberg, who drove past his defender toward the end line. Spangenberg sent a driven ball into the box, where Schwarz met it and headed home the game-winning goal. Menlo's bench erupted, racing toward the corner flag to celebrate the moment that secured the first win of the 2026 season.
Tonley helped the Oaks finish the job in his first collegiate start, recording four saves and keeping Mines scoreless for the remainder of the match. Menlo continued creating opportunities down the stretch, while the defense and Tonley stood strong to preserve the hard-earned home victory.
Up Next….
Menlo will close out opening weekend of the Menlo Kick-Off Classic on Saturday, August 29, when the Oaks return to Wunderlich Field to take on Fresno Pacific at 4 pm. Menlo will look to carry the momentum from its dramatic opening-night victory into its second match of the 2026 season.
