By Ethan Rubio, October 13, 2026
The Cal Poly Pomona women’s soccer team tied Chico State 0-0 on the road Oct. 2, a result that was shaped by missed chances from the Broncos’ attacking line.
The draw marked the Broncos’ third straight tie and extended their offensive struggles, finishing goalless in their two previous matches against UC Merced and Cal State Monterey Bay.
The Broncos spent the opening minutes feeling out the match, but the momentum shifted as forward Carly Radke’s run downfield during the 8th minute sparked the Broncos’ sideline, creating one of CPP’s first real attacking pushes before her attempt drifted just left of the woodwork.
The Broncos spent the opening minutes feeling out the match, but the momentum shifted as forward Carly Radke’s run downfield during the 8th minute sparked the Broncos’ sideline, creating one of CPP’s first real attacking pushes before her attempt drifted just left of the woodwork.
Going into the match, Chico State was tied for first place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association standings and relied on its defensive identity throughout the first half across the field, adjusting to the Broncos’ defensive alignment by cycling in fresh players.
Chico State generated its first attacking moment in the 40th minute when midfielder Yulisa Reyes pushed the ball upfield and sent a shot just over the top of the crossbar.
Chico State continued to pressure the Broncos’ back line, recording three first-half attempts from Reyes, midfielder Olivia Hohnstein, and defender Macyn Stewart.
The Broncos’ defensive effort kept Chico State off the scoreboard, but the Broncos left chances unfinished on the other end. Head coach Jay Mason said the environment and execution played a role, noting that the Broncos have produced three straight double-digit shot performances in their last three games against San Francisco State, UC Merced, and Cal State Monterey Bay.
“Chico is a tough place to play,” Mason said. “I thought the girls did a great job in moments where the ball bobbled.”
Mason said the team’s youth played a role in those decisive moments, noting that many attacking players are still adjusting to the pace of conference play. He added the speed of decision-making in the final third has been a learning curve, with younger players developing the composure needed to finish under pressure.
Mason said the Broncos are still developing the poise needed to finish plays that they’re consistently creating, with freshmen and sophomores such as Radke, Bailey Guerrero and Angelina Santana carrying much of the attacking load.
The Broncos generated several promising looks, including a second-half goal-line clearance from the Wildcats when Guerrero chipped Chico State goalkeeper Charlotte Mailer, denying CPP from finding the breakthrough.
“The girls are frustrated,” Mason said. “Letting them know that a tie is not the best thing we wanted is not the worst result. The best thing we can do is look forward to Sunday and move on.”
CPP’s back line has leaned on experience from senior defenders Mikaela Marr and Georgia Rink, both who have won a national championship and have gotten to the Final Four with the Broncos in previous seasons.
Mason said that leaning on experienced defenders like Marr and Rink helped stabilize the group during Chico’s late pressure. He noted their communication and positioning were essential in limiting Chico State’s chances.
Chico State entered the match prepared for CPP’s attacking pressure and responded with a disciplined defensive performance as the Wildcats finished with four saves. Holding Chico to a single shot on goal reflected CPP’s defensive organization, which goalie Parker LaMont credited to the backline’s discipline.
LaMont has started all 12 games this season for the Broncos, saving 30 attempts to go along with nine shutouts.
“We’ve been working hard on the back,” LaMont said. “It makes my job a lot easier when the girls are getting in front of the ball.”
Feature image courtesy of CPP Athletics
