Aug. 19, 2002
NEW YORK - Santa Clara opens the 2002 season ranked first according a preseason poll by Soccer Buzz Magazine. North Carolina, Portland, Virginia and Stanford round out the top five. Five other Bronco opponents also ranked in the top 25, led by Notre Dame at 7th, followed by UCLA and Saint Mary's at 11th and 13th. Santa Clara will also face No. 29 Florida and No. 20 Pepperdine.
The listing marks the second top mark for the Broncos by Soccer Buzz, as SCU was also ranked first to begin the 1999 season.
The NCAA Champions finished the 2001 campaign first in the final polls by NCSAA/adidas and Soccer Buzz. The Broncos were ranked second in the final regular season polls by Soccer America and Soccer Times. Overall, Santa Clara went 10-2 against ranked opponents, with four wins over top-five foes: No. 1 North Carolina, No. 2 UCLA, No. 4 Stanford and No. 4 Portland.
For a complete listing of Soccer Buzz rankings, please Click Here.