MATTHEWS, 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.
The Broncos were quick to set the tone, asserting themselves early in both offensive and defensive phases. They were relentless in winning first and second balls, and their possession-based game left the Ravens with little room to build any offensive rhythm.
The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Angelina Rivas converted a penalty kick at 21:59, giving the Broncos a 1-0 lead. Rivas extended the lead in the second half with a precise finish at 54:17, further cementing Cal Poly Pomona's control of the match.
RIVAS. AGAIN. https://t.co/20cE6WsHlk
— Cal Poly Pomona Broncos (@cppbroncos) December 14, 2024
The Broncos continued their offensive surge, and at the 79:42 mark, Vanessa Cruz scored off a well-timed assist from Tara Oper, making it 3-0.
Vanessa Cruz makes it 3-0 in our second #D2WSOC national semifinal!#MakeItYours | @cppbroncos pic.twitter.com/U9j5oPwJ9l
— NCAA Division II (@NCAADII) December 14, 2024
Just three minutes later, Oper got on the scoresheet herself, finishing a well-crafted play assisted by Georgia Rink in the 83rd minute, sealing the Broncos' commanding 4-0 victory.
Georgia Rink finds Tara Oper for the fourth and final goal of our second #D2WSOC semifinal.#MakeItYours | @cppbroncos pic.twitter.com/H8aGsyAOns
— NCAA Division II (@NCAADII) December 14, 2024
Defensively, goalkeeper Bella Hara recorded three key saves to keep the Ravens from threatening. The Broncos' defense was rock-solid, limiting Franklin Pierce to just three shots on goal throughout the match. Offensively, the Broncos were explosive, registering nine shots on goal compared to the Ravens' three.
— NCAA Division II (@NCAADII) December 14, 2024
The Broncos' victory over Franklin Pierce in this national semifinal also had historical significance. The last time these two teams met in a high-stakes match was in the 1999 NCAA Division II Final, when the Broncos fell 3-1 to the Ravens. Fast forward a quarter of a century, and Cal Poly Pomona entered this semifinal with a clear goal: to rewrite that chapter of history. For the first time since 1999, the Broncos had reached the Final Four, and they came into this match ready to make a statement, partying like it's 1999, but with a different ending in sight. The Broncos have rewritten history and set their sights on the championship.
Up Next:
The Broncos will face Minnesota State in the NCAA Division II Final on Sunday, December 15th at 12:00 PM PST (3:00 PM EST).
Bronco Bits:
- Jay Mason is now 81-48-23 as the head coach of the Broncos.
- This is the second time in program history that the Broncos have advanced to the NCAA DII Final.
- The Broncos are now 6-0 in post-season.
- This is the first time in program history the Broncos have defeated Frankin Pierce.
- With this shutout, the program record is now set at 14.
- Vanessa Cruz scored her 12th goal of the season.
- Tara Oper now has 8 goals and 12 assists on the season.
- Angelina Rivas scored her 5th game-winning goal of the season.
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.
- 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.
- 99: Inspired by the Past, Focused on the FutureIn 1999, Cal Poly Pomona Women's Soccer made history. They changed the game for the Broncos and set the precedent for every team that would come after.