ATHERTON, CA – Menlo College Men's Soccer found its winning ways on Friday afternoon, cruising to a 4-1 victory over Cal State East Bay in the Oaks' CCAA Home Opener. Four different Oaks found the back of the net as Menlo controlled the match from the opening whistle, putting together one of its strongest offensive performances of the season.
Oaks by the Numbers
-
4 goals from four different Oaks
-
27 total shots, including a program-high 14 shots on frame
-
7 corner kicks earned by Menlo
-
2 saves for goalkeeper Vebjorn Madshus
-
10 saves for the Cal State East Bay goalkeeper
-
Tim Schwarz: 1 goal, 1 assist on his birthday
-
Hugo Few: 1 goal, 1 assist
-
Sam Archer: 1 goal, starting center back
-
Liam Brittenstam: 1 goal, starting right back
-
Diego Ruiz & Roy Rosenberg: 1 assist each
-
Schwarz is tied for third in the CCAA in goals (5)
-
Few is tied for second in the CCAA in assists (4) and tied for third in points
-
First CCAA victory for the Oaks
Birthday Bash for Schwarz
Menlo wasted little time establishing control, with Sam Archer opening the scoring in the 13th minute off an assist from Diego Ruiz. Ruiz took a corner kick and placed it in the 6-yard box, finding Archer's head above all the traffic. Just three minutes later, Liam Brittenstam doubled the Oaks' advantage, finding the back of the net off a feed from Roy Rosenberg. The two goals looked identical with Rosenberg lofting the ball to Brittenstam's head who was able to find the back of the net. The offensive pressure continued throughout the half, and Tim Schwarz capped the opening 45 minutes with Menlo's third goal in the 28th minute, assisted by Hugo Few.
The Oaks picked up right where they left off after halftime. Just over three minutes into the second half, Few added Menlo's fourth goal of the afternoon, with Schwarz providing the back-healed assist to complete the birthday connection. Menlo continued to generate chances throughout the half, with Few, Manuel Portillo, Roy Rosenberg and Schwarz all creating opportunities in front of the East Bay goal. The Oaks' relentless attack ultimately produced 27 total shots, with 14 finding the frame, while East Bay's goalkeeper was forced into 10 saves.
Defensively, Madshus and the Oaks' back line kept East Bay off the scoreboard until the 77th minute. Madshus recorded two saves during the contest, including a pair of stops in the first half. East Bay eventually found a goal in the second half, but Menlo maintained its three-goal advantage.
The match was unfortunately brought to an early conclusion with just over three minutes remaining following a serious injury. Both teams agreed to end the contest early, and the Menlo College community sends its thoughts to the Cal State East Bay team and community while wishing the injured individual a speedy recovery.
Up Next….
The Oaks are back next week for another CCAA matchup, facing Cal State San Marcos on Thursday, October 1 at Wunderlich field. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 pm as Menlo looks to carry the momentum from its first conference victory into its next league contest.
