Pepperdine
Mustang Women's Soccer Wraps Up Preseason Against Pepperdine
8/6/2026 10:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Sam Liaty found the back of the net as the Cal Poly women’s soccer team secured a 1-1 draw against Pepperdine during an exhibition match on Thursday night at Mustang Memorial Field at Spanos Stadium.
It was the final action of the preseason for the defending Big West champions, who open their 2026 season this coming Wednesday at home against UNLV.
“I’m proud of the way the team fought tonight,” head coach Bernardo Silva said after the match. “… Some positives, some needs of improvement, that’s what the preseason is all about, and that’s why you play challenging teams like Pepperdine so you get exposed. I’m excited about the future, but we have got a lot of work to do.”
After a scoreless first half, Liaty broke through in the 79th minute to give the Mustangs the lead. Junior Mya Clarke, a transfer from Cal State Bakersfield, blasted a ball from midfield toward the 18-yard box where senior Annika Smith headed it forward and found Liaty in the box. The Tarleton State transfer then fired a close-range shot at the Pepperdine goalkeeper that was saved before Liaty collected her own rebound, sending the ball into a wide-open net.
The Waves equalized the match in the 89th minute. Goalkeeper Shannon Porubski finished with two saves in the match and Cal Poly held Pepperdine to just one shot in the second half. The Waves won the West Coast Conference title for the second straight season a year ago, advancing to the NCAA Tournament.
Tickets to Cal Poly’s 2026 season opener against UNLV at 6 p.m. this coming Wednesday can be purchased HERE. Season tickets are also on sale HERE.
Following the season opener against the Rebels, the Mustangs host No. 1-ranked Stanford at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 16, for Club Soccer Day and a rematch of last year’s NCAA First Round matchup.
