The Cal Poly women’s soccer team hit its stride in October last season, winning six straight at one point. Although the streak led to a Big West Conference Tournament championship game appearance, it was there that Cal State Fullerton brought the Mustangs’ run to an end – 4-3 on penalty kicks.
How fitting, then, that the Titans will host Cal Poly at 7 tonight in Titan Stadium for each team’s Big West opener.
Cal Poly head coach Alex Crozier, though, said the memory hasn’t come up.
“Last year is last year,” he said. “We haven’t even talked about that.”
He might have reason.
The Mustangs, whose youthful turnover is highlighted by 11 freshmen, have won five of their last eight entering conference play, in sharp contrast to last season’s 1-8-1 overall beginning.
Cal Poly (5-6), however, followed a 1-0 win over Utah State on Sept. 26 with a 1-0 loss to Utah on Sunday.
“We don’t have the numbers, but I think we’re generating a pretty good attack,” Crozier said of Cal Poly’s offense. “Our attacking rhythm wasn’t great this weekend, but once we keep possession of the ball and pick and choose our moments, the goals are going to come.”
The Titans (5-5-1), who’ve been ranked as high as No. 21 in the NSCAA/adidas poll, rely on a balanced attack that features a trio of players with at least three goals.
Cal Poly, which visits UC Riverside at 1 p.m. Sunday, has allowed one or no goals eight times.
“I think we’re pretty solid defensively,” Crozier said. “Everyone’s on the same page.”