Graig MantleThe Cal Poly women’s soccer team (7-8-1 overall, 5-1 Big West) has two games left in its season and the Mustangs need two wins to put themselves in position to host the Big West Tournament on Nov. 9 and Nov. 11.
Head coach Alex Crozier said that the team’s strategy this weekend will remain the same as it has been all season.
“Every game is going to be a battle and we’ve just got to go in ready to play,” Crozier said. “There’s no real particular player standing out. Everyone’s playing well and battling, so hopefully one or two will make the difference.”
The Mustangs will travel for Friday’s 2 p.m. game against Long Beach State and Sunday’s 2:30 p.m. game against Cal State Northridge.
The Mustangs started the season 1-8-1 overall and lost the opening Big West match to UC Riverside. However, the team turned things around and has six consecutive wins.
Now Cal Poly is tied for first place in the conference with Cal State Fullerton, both with 15 points.
Sophomore outside back Carrie Andrews said that the Mustangs were unlucky in preseason and that their turnaround resulted from an offensive mindset.
“We honestly couldn’t catch a break,” Andrews said of the preseason. “Our hard work is paying off. We have to play as a team and work toward our goals.”
For the Mustangs, Sharon Day has led the team with three goals and Alli Tramel has a 1.07 goals-against-average.
Long Beach State (11-6 overall, 4-2 Big West) dropped to fourth place with 12 points after Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to UC Irvine.
The 49ers have significant wins this season over Utah (1-0 OT) and Oklahoma (2-1 OT).
Kim Silos, 2006 Big West Offensive Player of the Year, has led the team with six goals and seven assists for a conference-best 19 points. Kristen Kiefer also has six goals and Liz Ramos has a 0.79 goals-against-average, second best in the conference.
Cal State Northridge (4-10-2 overall, 1-4-1 Big West) still has a shot at the playoffs and goes into the weekend ready to play the role of spoiler.
The Matadors have been led by Susie Mischenko with five goals and Salma Tarik at eight points with three goals and two assists. Kellie Drenner has a 2.21 goals-against-average.
Crozier said that both teams will prove tough competition for the Mustangs.
“Long Beach was picked first in the conference. They have a dangerous team,” Crozier said. “Northridge’s record doesn’t show it, but they have a strong team too.”
Andrews said that despite the competition, she is confident that the Mustangs will make a run for the conference championship.
“We win these two games and we make it to conference championship. As long as we show up to those games and compete, we’ll probably host conference,” Andrews said.