POMONA, Calif. – Undefeated through the last four games, the nationally-ranked Cal Poly Pomona men's soccer team will aim to finish strong in the final week of the regular season before the playoffs begin in November.
The Broncos will play their final two games of the regular season at home this week. CPP has posted a 6-1-2 record at Kellogg Field this season.
On Thursday, the Broncos host Cal State San Marcos at 3 p.m. The first 80 CPP students arriving to the 12:30 p.m. doubleheader will receive a free phone wallet courtesy of Student Health & Counseling Services.
Then on Saturday, CPP will challenge UC San Diego at 2 p.m. for Senior Day at Kellogg Field. The first 75 students arriving for the 11:30 a.m. doubleheader on Saturday will receive a free mini stapler courtesy of Campus Recreation.
Prior to the men's soccer match, the Broncos will recognize the athletic and academic achievements of
Adi Azran,
Eshel Chardon,
Leonel Espinoza,
Jesus Tamayo and
Rubik Zazian. Through the last four years, CPP men's soccer has produced a record of 52-14-11 with a 4-1 mark in the NCAA Tournament.
At 11-3-2 overall and 7-2-1 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), the Broncos have moved up to No. 3 in the conference standings. The top two squads will earn first-round byes in the CCAA Tournament while the No. 3 and No. 4 teams will host a first-round game on Nov. 1. The semifinal and final rounds of the event will take place at Stanislaus State in Turlock.
While
Sergi Monso scored eight of his nine goals during a span of seven games, junior
Luis Najera Jr. has been the Broncos' offensive star lately. The Tulare native has scored in each of the last four contests. Fittingly enough, Sunday's 2-1 win over Dominguez Hills featured a goal from Najera off a Monso assist and then the game winner from Monso in the 52nd minute.
This week's games will provide plenty of entertainment for CCAA soccer fans. Thursday's opponent – seventh-place CSUSM – is fighting for a playoff spot and just two points behind the final qualifying spot. Saturday's opponent – first-place UCSD – is three points above the Broncos and the Tritons were ranked No. 2 in the first regional rankings released last week. CPP held the No. 3 spot in that poll.
Once the conference tournament ends on Nov. 6, the teams will then turn their attention to the NCAA.com selection show on Monday, Nov. 7 at 3:30 p.m. PT. The top six teams in the West will advance to the NCAA Tournament.