Aug. 27, 2003
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Despite receiving seven of 16 first-place votes, the Santa Clara University women's soccer team will open the 2003 season ranked third, according to a preseason poll by SoccerTimes.com. The Broncos have nine scheduled matches against teams also ranked in the top 25, including five of the top 10.
The Broncos received seven votes by a panel of coaches, but North Carolina, who received only three votes, earned more points overall for the top listing. Portland is second, receiving six first-place votes.
Bronco opponents Stanford, UCLA and Penn State are ranked fourth through sixth, and followed by Texas, Connecticut and Texas A&M. No. 10 Virginia is also on SCU's schedule.
Santa Clara will also face No. 11 Notre Dame, No. 14 Pepperdine, No. 17 California and No. 20 USC.
In polls by the NSCAA and Soccer Buzz, the Broncos were preseason ranked No. 1. A listing by Soccer America Magazine posted SCU as fourth to start the season.
The Broncos open the season on Friday against UCLA at Buck Shaw Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. There will also be a postmatch autograph session for the fans.
Last season, the Bruins were ranked third when the Broncos upset them in overtime in Los Angeles. Santa Clara is 4-0 against UCLA in the all-time series between the schools.