Cats the New No. 1 with National Showdown on Deck

Mission Viejo, Calif. - The Saddleback women's soccer team was elevated to the top-ranked team in the nation this week by The United Soccer Coaches. On deck for the Bobcats is a Friday showdown with Long Beach City College, the team ranked fifth in the nation.

Saddleback is no stranger to being ranked highly in the United Soccer Coaches National Rankings as the Bobcats are routinely in the top 10 and were crowned national champions in 2022.

Saddleback found out this week that it had moved up three spots into the top spot after starting the season 7-0. During its seven-game stretch, the Bobcats have a win over a Sierra program that finished No. 2 in the nation this past season. 

Saddleback now gets arguably its toughest test on Friday when it hosts Long Beach City College. The Vikings are ranked No. 5 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Rankings after starting the season 7-0-1. Saddleback and Long Beach City have played one common opponent this season in Mt. San Jacinto College. The Bobcats defeated MSJC 3-0 on September 18 while Long Beach City beat the Eagles 3-1 on August 28.

Saddleback and Long Beach City are scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. on Friday inside the stadium. The game can be seen live on FloSports.

(Saddleback College Athletics)