The California women's soccer team kicks off its 2026 season with a home match against California Baptist on August 12, followed by a road game against Santa Clara on August 16. Cal, in its third year in the ACC, aims to improve on last year鈥檚 strong performance, having narrowly missed an NCAA Tournament bid. They return with 17 players from 2025, including key performers like forward Soleil Dimry, while also bringing in new talent.

By the Numbers
  • Cal finished the 2025 season with a record of 8-3-8 and a 4-2-4 mark in ACC play.
  • Nine ACC teams advanced to the second round of the NCAA Championship last year.
State of Play
  • Cal was picked to finish 10th in the 2026 Preseason ACC Women's Soccer Coaches Poll.
  • Seventeen players from last year's roster return, including six regular starters.
What's Next

As the season progresses, Cal aims to leverage its mix of returning experience and fresh talent to secure a possible NCAA Tournament spot, starting with challenging matchups against Cal Baptist and Santa Clara.

Bottom Line

With a strong foundation and promising new players, Cal's women's soccer team enters a pivotal season that could define their trajectory in the ACC and potentially lead to postseason opportunities.