POMONA, Calif. - In an unforgettable performance, the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos defeated the No. 1 ranked Colorado School of Mines 2-0 in the NCAA Quarterfinals. This historic victory marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs, and the second time this season—and in program history—that the Broncos have triumphed over the top-ranked team in the nation.
The match was a showcase of skill, resilience, and determination, with the Broncos taking the lead in the 31st minute. Bella Anderson sprinted down the field to set up a corner kick for Tara Oper, whose perfectly placed ball found Liberty Ortiz in front of the goal. Ortiz made no mistake, heading the ball past the keeper to give the Broncos a 1-0 advantage.
In the final moments of the first half, goalkeeper Bella Hara made a spectacular save in the 45th minute, denying Colorado School of Mines a penalty kick and preserving the Broncos' lead.
The Broncos would seal the win in the 63rd minute when Marisa Salazar found the back of the net, extending the lead to 2-0. Despite being out shot 15-9 by the Orediggers, the Broncos' defense, led by Hara's crucial stops, stood strong to keep the clean sheet intact.
With the win, Cal Poly Pomona advances to the NCAA Final Four in Matthews, North Carolina—the program's first appearance in the Final Four since 1999. The Broncos now look ahead to the semifinals with a historic opportunity to make an even deeper run into the national championship race.
Up Next:
The Broncos head to Matthews, North Carolina for the NCAA Semifinal match on Friday, December 13th.
Bronco Bits:
- Jay Mason is now 80-48-23 as a head coach of the Broncos.
- The Broncos continue their best start in program history with a record of 20-1-2 overall.
- The Broncos are now 5-0 in postseason.
- This is the first time since 1999 that the Broncos have advanced to the Final Four.
- This is the second time this season that the Broncos have defeated the No. 1 ranked team.
Latest Women's Soccer
- NATIONAL CHAMPIONS: Broncos Make HistoryIn a historic moment for Cal Poly Pomona women's soccer, the Broncos secured their first-ever NCAA Division II National Championship, defeating Minnesota State 2-1. This victory represents the culmination of an extraordinary season, highlighted by resilience, strong leadership, and the unrelenting determination of the championship squad.
- Best Fall In Bronco History: A Season of Records, Titles, and TriumphsThe fall of 2024 was a monumental season for Cal Poly Pomona athletics, marked by multiple championships, historic achievements, program milestones, and record-breaking performances across multiple sports.
- From Record-Breaker to National Champion: Tara Oper Named National Player of the YearSenior Tara Oper from Riverside has made history, being named the United Soccer Coaches National Player of the Year for 2024, making her only the second Women's Soccer Bronco to ever receive this prestigious honor. This recognition highlights a remarkable season for the standout athlete, who has proven to be a key player for Cal Poly Pomona's women's soccer team.
- New Era, Same Dream: Broncos Seek First National TitleThe Cal Poly Pomona Broncos are on the brink of making history. For the second time in program history, they've reached the NCAA Division II National Championship match, set to face Minnesota State for the first time ever.
- National Final Awaits as Broncos Rewrite History with 4-0 VictoryMatthews, NC - In a commanding performance, the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos secured their spot in the NCAA Division II Championship match with a 4-0 victory over the Franklin Pierce University Ravens in the national semifinal. Confidence and composure were on full display, controlling the pace of play and dictating the action from start to finish.
- Oper and Cruz Earn All-American HonorsThe Cal Poly Pomona women's soccer team has made history with two players earning prestigious United Soccer Coaches All-American honors. Vanessa Cruz and Tara Oper have been named to the 2024 NCAA Division II All-America teams, marking a monumental achievement for the program.