SAN DIGEO, Calif. - Cal Poly Pomona women's soccer extended their unbeaten run to start the 2025 season with a 2-0 road victory over Point Loma on Saturday in San Diego. In a battle between the last two NCAA Division II national champions, Point Loma in 2023 and Cal Poly Pomona in 2024, the Broncos delivered a composed and clinical performance to earn their fourth consecutive victory and their first shutout of the season.
The first half was tightly contested, with both teams creating opportunities and testing each other early. Point Loma came out pressing early, earning three corner kicks and registering five shots in the opening 45 minutes. Cal Poly Pomona's goalkeeper Jenna Tetrault made her lone save of the day in the 17th minute, helping the Broncos weather the early pressure. Offensively, CPP generated chances of their own, recording eight first-half shots. Vanessa Cruz, Abria Smith, and Kailey Powers all came close to breaking the deadlock, but Point Loma goalkeeper Julia Pinnell kept the score level with two key saves.
Despite the scoreless first half, the tone had been set. Cal Poly Pomona's midfield began to take control of the game, disrupting Point Loma's rhythm and creating forward momentum. That momentum turned into goals shortly after the break. In the 54th minute, Ally Henry fired a shot off the right post, and Braedyn Kincade was perfectly positioned to finish the rebound and give the Broncos a 1-0 lead. The goal was Kincade's first of the season and a well-earned reward for CPP's attacking persistence.
"It was an intense game against a good opponent, but we found a way to win," Kincade said. "Everyone stayed composed and did their jobs to make it fun and exciting as well."
Less than ten minutes later, Cal Poly Pomona struck again. In the 64th minute, Marisa Salazar found space inside the box and slotted home the Broncos' second goal of the match. With a 2-0 advantage, the Broncos focused on managing the rest of the match and preventing any comeback attempts.
Point Loma was limited to just three shots in the second half and finished the game with only one shot on goal. Defensively, Cal Poly Pomona was organized and efficient, staying disciplined under pressure and closing down any late threats. The backline, led by Liberty Ortiz, was a key factor in securing the clean sheet.
"Winning today's match was an important step in our journey for the season," said Ortiz. "Point Loma is a quality team who we knew would test us. We stuck to our roots, our game plan, and had fun. The rest fell into place."
Statistically, Cal Poly Pomona dominated most categories. The Broncos finished with 21 total shots, including six on goal, compared to Point Loma's eight shots and just one on target. CPP also forced four saves from Pinnell while allowing just one from Tetrault.
"It felt great to be out there with my teammates," said Ally Henry, who assisted the opening goal. "I could feel the energy from start to finish. This was a really exciting match, and I'm so proud of how everyone showed up. It was such an intense and fun game."
Up Next:
The Broncos return to Pomona, Calif. to host Fort Lewis on Thursday, September 18th at 6:00 PM.
Bronco Bits:
- Jay Mason is now 86-48-23 as the head coach of the Broncos
- The Broncos are 9-6-0 all time against Point Loma
- With a 2-0 win, the Broncos tied their highest margin of victory over Point Loma
- Marisa Salazar is four goals away from entering the record book in career goals
- The Broncos are 13-3 against opponents so far this season
