[
Box score] [
Match Replay] [
NCAA Tournament Central]
MATTHEWS, N.C. - The Cal Poly Pomona Broncos are the 2024 NCAA Women's Soccer Champions! The Broncos completed their nearly month-long NCAA journey with a 2-1 win over Minnesota State in the national championship match on Sunday, Dec. 15.
The Mavericks put up the first goal in the ninth minute to take the early lead.
Tara Oper answered with the equalizer for Cal Poly Pomona in the 23rd minute when she finished off
Georgia Rink's pass that traveled low across the length of the box. It was the second consecutive match these two connected on a goal. Oper would be named the Most Outstanding Player at the NCAA Tournament after she scored or assisted in all five NCAA postseason games.
The match would stay locked at 1-1 into halftime despite CPP outshooting Minnesota State 13-1.
However, it would not remain tied long after the half, as Oper drew a penalty kick in the second minute.
Coach Jay Mason turned to
Marisa Salazar to take the shot, and as she had done all tournament, she delivered the big play. The keeper guessed correctly, but Salazar's shot had too much pace, and it went under the keeper's hand for the go-ahead goal (2-1). It was Salazar's fourth goal in five NCAA matches.
Even with the lead in hand, Cal Poly Pomona stayed aggressive offensively throughout the second half. It outshot the Mavericks 10-7 in the second period, and 23-8 in the match.
CPP keeper
Bella Hara made three saves. During the Broncos' five-game NCAA run, she never allowed more than one goal in a match and had three shutouts. Over the tournament, Cal Poly Pomona outscored its opponents 11-2.
This was the third consecutive season a team from the West Region has captured the NCAA Women's Soccer Championship. The Broncos join Point Loma (2023) and Western Washington (2024). It is the first time a CCAA team has won the NCAA title since UC San Diego in 2001.
Cal Poly Pomona completes its season with a school-record 22 wins (22-1-2) and the program's first NCAA Championship.