The Menlo College women’s soccer team ended a long winless streak Thursday, beating visiting UC Santa Cruz, 1-0, in a nonconference battle.
Alexis Von Schottenstein scored in the 43rd minute and the Oaks held on to earn their first victory over the Banana Slugs in over 10 years.
Menlo (4-1-1) had not defeated the NCAA Division III school since 2005, most recently playing to a scoreless draw a season ago.
The game was a back and forth affair that saw both teams with solid scoring opportunities. Menlo controlled the pace of play for much of the first half. The Oaks ripped off 12 shots in the first period, three of which were sent away by Banana Slug keeper Athena Del Rosario.
It appeared as though the game was going to head into the break a scoreless draw until Brittany Squarcia got involved.
The senior midfielder found an opening and made a nice run up the far side of the field, found an open Von Schottenstein, who beat the keeper low and right on the near side post to score the game winner.
In the second half it was much of the same, though there were fewer shots from both sides as the back lines settled in and defended.
Menlo fired off seven shots, five on frame, while Santa Cruz managed three shots, all on goal and all saved by junior keeper Kaylin Swart.
Von Schottenstein was the main offensive threat for Menlo all afternoon as she led all players with seven total shots, five on target.
Danielle McCarthy added four and five other players had at least one shot. Del Rosario had nine saves in the match while Swart had six.
Menlo has one final nonconference match, a home game Saturday against Soka University of America.
By Menlo Athletics
By Menlo Athletics
By Menlo Athletics