COSTA MESA – A history of success against Menlo on the VU Soccer Field did not help the Vanguard women's soccer team on Thursday, as a 66th-minute goal delivered a 1-0 victory for the Oaks.
The Lions entered the game 4-0 all-time at home against Menlo, having outscored the Bay Area opponent by a combined 8-0 margin. But in a mostly defensive-minded battle, the Oaks found the lone goal off the foot of Kawai Acopan.
VU played without starters Rachel Penick, Takara Kiesel and Celeste Kiernan in dropping its second straight match by a 1-0 score.Â
Menlo outshot the Lions 10-5, the five shots representing the second-fewest for the Blue and Gold this season. Kennedy Cypher and Alyssa Fong had two shots apiece, with the other coming from Kaitlyn Currier.
Jordin Holmquist-Wilder made four saves in goal for the Lions, while Oaks keeper Giorgia Melcore had three.
The Lions dropped to 5-3-4 on the year and 1-2-1 in the Golden State Athletic Conference. The Oaks improved to 3-5-1, 2-2-1 in conference play.
What Happened?: After the two teams combined for just six shots in the first half, the Lions had their best opportunity to strike first as Cypher and Fong registered back-to-back attempts inside the box within the first three minutes of play, with Melcore making a pair of saves.
The Oaks started the winning sequence on a corner kick by Anahi Casillas. The ball veered toward the top of the 18, with the Lion defense unable to make a strong clearance. That enabled Acopan to take one touch and blast her shot into the right corner of the net.
The 1-0 advantage was more than enough as the Lions did not muster a shot for the final 31 minutes of the game.Â
Earlier in the second half, Cypher forced Melcore into her third save.
Why Is It Important?: The Lions had scored 15 goals during a five-game stretch prior to the last two scoreless games. VU will look to rediscover its offense going into the final three GSAC games as the team jockeys for a spot in the upcoming conference tournament.
What's Next?: It's Senior Day for the Blue and Gold this Saturday against Jessup at 1:30 p.m.
