Cal Poly’s women’s soccer squad entered the weekend clash against No. 1 Stanford hoping to avenge last season’s NCAA Tournament loss, but the Cardinal proved why they sit atop the national rankings.
A solitary goal, scored in the early stages, proved enough for Stanford, which outshot the Mustangs 17‑4 and held a 5‑2 edge in shots on target.
A Test of Resilience
Goalkeeper Shannon Porubski kept the score within reach with four saves, marking her 19th consecutive start and showcasing the steady hand that has defined Cal Poly’s backline this season.
Defender Sam Walker attempted to block the decisive strike, but the effort fell short, leaving the Mustangs to regroup after a relentless offensive onslaught.
Freshman forward Madison Lujan, who accounted for half of Cal Poly’s shots, came close on a late‑game effort that rattled the crossbar, but the ball refused to cross the line.
Veteran attacker Annika Smith, the reigning Big West Offensive Player of the Year, was limited to zero attempts, a rare quiet outing for the star forward.
The 1‑0 result adds to a seven‑game winless streak against Stanford and marks the team’s first shutout defeat since October 9, 2025, a milestone that underscores the defensive progress the program has made.
Looking ahead, Cal Poly will host Senior Night against San Jose State on August 23 at Spanos Stadium before turning its attention to the first Big West matchup on September 23, a milestone that could finally unlock a conference victory.