Cal Poly’s women’s soccer program has released its 2026 schedule, confirming a 10‑home‑match lineup that opens with an early‑season showdown against the 2025 national runners‑up at Spanos.
A demanding non‑conference slate
The Mustangs will test themselves against a who’s‑who of recent tournament participants, including Stanford, California Baptist and Utah Valley, each of whom advanced to the NCAA Tournament last year.
Defending the Big West crown
Coach and players alike are focused on protecting the Big West title they captured last season, a goal made more urgent by a conference realignment that now includes California Baptist, Sacramento State and Utah Valley.
The non‑conference schedule is deliberately crafted to sharpen the team before conference play, with the first match against UNLV slated for August 12, 2026, and a Senior Day clash with San Jose State on August 23.
A rematch with UC Santa Barbara is set for October 21, while the regular‑season finale will see the Mustangs host Sacramento State on October 31, a game that could determine the conference tournament seeding.
The roster retains key contributors such as Annika Smith, the 2025 Big West Offensive Player of the Year, captain Sophia Minnite, and goalkeeper Shannon Porubski, who posted nine shutouts in the previous campaign.
This fall the squad will welcome 15 newcomers, including nine transfers and six freshmen, adding depth and fresh talent to a lineup that already blends experience with youthful energy.
With the top six programs in the Big West earning a spot in the conference tournament, the Mustangs view each match as a stepping stone toward the NCAA College Cup final, scheduled for December 14 in Cary, North Carolina.