SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Menlo College Women's Soccer opened its Sunday morning CCAA matchup against San Francisco State with an immediate spark, scoring just 2:31 into the contest. The Oaks controlled the early momentum and created several chances throughout the match, but the Gators rallied in the second half to hand Menlo a 2-1 road loss.
Oaks by the Numbers
-
Janeth Davalos opened the scoring at the 2:31 mark, recording her first goal as an Oak in her second appearance of the season.
-
Menlo put seven of its 10 shots on frame.
-
The Oaks earned eight corner kicks, including several in the second half as they pushed for an equalizer.
-
Lily Roberts played all 90 minutes and made five saves.
-
Olivia Sams recorded multiple shots on target, forcing three saves.
-
Jacky Vasquez Lopez also created multiple opportunities, forcing two saves.
-
Menlo continued to attack late, earning a corner kick with less than a minute remaining.
Oaks Jump Out Early
Menlo wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Just 2:31 into the match, the Oaks capitalized on pressure in the attacking third when Davalos found the back of the net to put Menlo ahead 1-0. The goal marked Davalos' first as an Oak in just her second appearance of the 2026 season. Menlo continued to generate opportunities early, with Sams and Judd Eldredge Sagapolutele each putting shots on frame that were turned away by the Gator goalkeeper.
The Oaks carried that attacking effort into the second half. Vasquez Lopez tested the Gators' goalkeeper just 1:45 after the restart, followed by another shot from Sams. Menlo continued to earn set-piece opportunities, recording multiple corner kicks throughout the second half as they looked to extend their lead. San Francisco State eventually leveled the match in the 59th minute, but Roberts continued to keep the Oaks within reach with another save shortly before the Gators' equalizer.
Menlo continued to push after the match was tied. Praisia Lowe and Sams each forced additional saves from the Gators, while Eldredge Sagapolutele nearly found an opportunity late as the Oaks searched for a second goal. San Francisco State scored the eventual game-winner in the 84th minute, but Menlo continued fighting until the final whistle, earning another corner kick with less than 30 seconds remaining.
Up Next….
Menlo Women's Soccer returns to action on Thursday, October 1, to face Cal State San Marcos in another CCAA matchup at home on Wunderlich field. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 pm.
