What's Happening?
The Sacramento State women's soccer team is gearing up for the 2026 season with an exhibition match against Santa Clara on August 6, 2026. This friendly match will take place at Stevens Stadium - Buck Shaw Field in Santa Clara, California. Sacramento State is transitioning
into the Big West Conference after leaving the Big Sky Conference, where they competed from 1996 to 2025. The team is coming off a 2025 season with a 6-11-1 record and is introducing a large class of 19 newcomers, including transfers and freshmen. The Hornets are led by new head coach Tim Strader, who brings experience from Texas A&M and California Baptist. Santa Clara, on the other hand, finished their 2025 season with an 8-6-5 record and returns key players like junior forward Mailin Orozco.
Why It's Important?
This exhibition match is significant as it marks the beginning of a new era for Sacramento State women's soccer under the leadership of Tim Strader and their entry into the Big West Conference. The team's performance in this friendly will provide insights into how well the new recruits and returning players are integrating. For Santa Clara, the match serves as a preparatory step to build on their previous season's successes. The outcome of this match could set the tone for both teams' upcoming seasons, influencing their strategies and player development.
What's Next?
Following the exhibition match, Sacramento State will officially start their 2026 season with matches against Pacific and UC Davis. The team will focus on adapting to the competitive environment of the Big West Conference. Santa Clara will continue to refine their strategies and player dynamics as they aim to improve their standing in the West Coast Conference. Both teams will use these early matches to assess their strengths and weaknesses, making necessary adjustments for the regular season.
