The defending Big West Champions enter the 2026 season with high expectations and a target on their backs. After capturing the conference title in 2025, ending a 21-year drought, the Mustangs will return this season looking to achieve even greater milestones.
Head Coach Bernardo Silva returns for his second season, with a roster that combines a majority of experienced veterans with six new freshman signees and four transfers.
The Cal Poly Women’s Soccer schedule includes 19 regular-season matches, with two against 2025 NCAA Tournament qualifying teams. 10 of these matches will be held at Spanos Stadium, where the Mustangs will feed off the home crowd’s energy.
Big West play does not begin until Sept. 23, but the demanding nonconference slate will help prepare the team for a competitive Big West race. The schedule is highlighted by No. 1 Stanford and Big West rivals UC Santa Barbara. Last year, they defeated UCSB to secure the conference title, before being knocked out of the tournament by Stanford. This year’s matchup gives the Mustangs a second stab at defeating the Cardinals.
Success this season will likely depend on their ability to maintain the defensive identity they became known for last year while generating consistent offense. Their returning players are proven leaders in these areas. Leading the attack is returning senior Annika Smith, the reigning Big West Offensive Player of the Year after totaling seven goals and 18 points in 2025. Likewise, junior goalkeeper Shannon Porubski has proven her ability to hold down the Mustangs’ defense. She was the goalkeeper in a majority of Cal Poly’s 10 shutout wins last season.
With a veteran core and added talent from newcomers, Cal Poly has the pieces to compete for another Big West title and earn another trip to the NCAA Tournament. Women’s Soccer is set to kick off its season on Wednesday, Aug. 12 with a home opener against the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. This marks the beginning of a four-game homestand to start the season for the Mustangs.