ALISO VIEJO, Calif. - The defending NCAA women's soccer national champions, Cal Poly Pomona, will begin the 2025 season as the No. 1-ranked team, according to the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll. 
The Broncos went 22-1-2 last season, as they knocked off the No. 1-ranked team and the last two NCAA champions to win the program's first NCAA title.
 
Cal Poly Pomona will bring back a very experienced group, which includes four All-CCAA selections and 15 letterwinners. The 2024 CCAA Newcomer of the Year and CCAA Player of the Year, Vanessa Cruz, returns for her senior season. Last year, she led the conference with 12 goals and ranked second in points (28).
 
Marisa Salazar and Angelina Rivas also return to the frontline after outstanding postseason performances. Rivas posted nine goals and three assists, while Salazar scored in four of the five NCAA Tournament matches to finish with nine goals and five assists. All-Region selection Liberty Ortiz returns to help anchor the backline.
 
The Broncos will open their season at home on Thursday, Sept. 4, against PacWest foe Azusa Pacific. The Cougars are receiving votes in the first United Soccer Coaches poll. The match will kick off at 6 p.m.
 
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