West Coast Conference Women's Soccer Preview 2024: New Eras For Oregon State and Washington State

The Beavers and Cougars have a new home for the next couple of seasons. The West Coast Conference has quite a bit of history, and a championship pedigree.

John Severs | Jul 10, 2024

May 17, 2021; Cary, North Carolina, USA; Santa Clara Broncos women's soccer team celebrates after defeating the Florida State Seminoles to win the NCAA Women's College Cup Championship. The game ended in a 1-1 draw after overtime with Santa Clara winning the shootout 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports / Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

The WCC affiliation era of Oregon State and Washington State has begun. Over the next two years the Beavers and Cougars are going to get very familiar with the teams of the West Coast Conference. With the women’s soccer season only about a month away, the rest of us could stand to learn a bit as well.

While the Beavers and Cougars may be relieved they won’t have to face the likes of Stanford or UCLA anytime soon, make no mistake; the WCC is going to be a tough conference to get results in. This is a conference that has produced four national champions in the 21st century, and that sent three to teams to the NCAA Tournament last season- an impressive achievement regardless of conference size.

Here are the Women’s Soccer teams of the West Coast Conference, in the order they finished last season.

Gonzaga Bulldogs

Where They Play: Luger Field - Spokane, Washington
Head Coach: Katie Benz (1st Season)
2023 Record: 14-4-2 Overall, 6-1-1 in WCC Play. 19 Points, 1st in WCC
2023 Scoring: 56 Goals For, 22 Goals Against
2023 Top Scorer: Giana Riley, 12 Goals
History with Oregon State: Beavers lead 12-4
Last Match vs Oregon State: August 31st, 2018; 3-1 Gonzaga Win
History with Washington State: Cougars lead 22-1-1
Last Match vs Washington State: September 5th, 2019; 1-0 (OT) Washington State Win

After joining the WCC, in 1993 the Bulldogs struggled for some time. They would find success occasionally, including their first trip to the NCAA Tournament in 2005, but could never put together a season that would give them a WCC Championship. Things started to shift for Gonzaga in 2017 when Chris Watkins took over as Head Coach. The Bulldogs began finishing near the top of the conference, and last season put together a run that put them in a three way race for WCC crown. In the final week of the regular season a 3-1 victory over Pepperdine gave the Bulldogs their first WCC Championship, and a week later the program scored their first win in the NCAA Tournament, a 1-0 win over Idaho.

If the Bulldogs want to repeat that feat this year, they’ll have to do it without Watkins, who took a job as Boston College’s new Head Coach in the offseason. The good news for Gonzaga is that they’ll have a lot of continuity on the team, and with former assistant coach Katie Benz taking over as Head Coach they shouldn’t have to make too many adjustments. Last season’s top scorer, Forward Giana Riley will return, as will Goalkeeper Lauren Towne, who was named to the All-WCC Second Team. The team did lose Second Team All-American Defender Kelsey Oyler to Arkansas through the transfer portal, but otherwise this will be much the same roster as last year's WCC winners.

Pepperdine Waves

Where They Play: Tari Frahm Rokus Field - Malibu, California
Head Coach: Tim Ward (27th Season)
2023 Record: 9-5-5 Overall, 6-2 in WCC Play. 18 Points, T-2nd in WCC
2023 Scoring: 40 Goals For, 21 Goals Against
2023 Top Scorer: Tori Waldeck, 11 Goals
History with Oregon State: Waves lead 2-0
Last Match vs Oregon State: September 21st, 2003; 2-0 Pepperdine Win
History with Washington State: Cougars lead 3-2-1
Last Match vs Washington State: September 22nd, 2019; 2-1 Washington State Win

Tim Ward has been coaching Pepperdine for almost the entirety of their Women's Soccer history, and during that time the Waves have been consistent performers. The high point (or crest, if you will) of the program was in the mid 2000s, when the Waves made the NCAA Tournament 5 years in a row, from 2001 to 2005. They reached the round of 16 twice in that span, and finished 2002 ranked 5th in the country. After a few lean years, they were back in the 2010s, pulling off six tournament appearances and two top 10 rankings during the decade. That run was fueled by star forward Lynn Williams, who just recently became the National Women's Soccer League's all time leading scorer.

Last season they fell just short of a WCC championship, with the title coming down to the regular season finale versus Gonzaga. The Waves did return to the NCAA Tournament, but fell in the first round against a very tough Stanford team. The team is in a great place to make another run. Last year's WCC Offensive Player of the Year, Tori Waldeck, returns, as does WCC Freshman of the Year Julia Quinonez and All WCC First Team Defender Taylor Bloom. The Waves should be well placed to contend for a WCC title again in 2024.

Santa Clara Broncos

Where They Play: Stevens Stadium - Buck Shaw Field - Santa Clara, California
Head Coach: Jerry Smith (38th Season)
2023 Record: 14-5-2 Overall, 6-2 in WCC Play. 18 Points, T-2nd in WCC
2023 Scoring: 41 Goals For, 13 Goals Against
2023 Top Scorer: Farrah Walters, 11 Goals
History with Oregon State: Broncos lead 9-0-1
Last Match vs Oregon State: August 20th, 2023; 4-0 Santa Clara Win
History with Washington State: Broncos lead 8-1-1
Last Match vs Washington State: August 27th, 2017; 2-1 Santa Clara Win

If there's one thing for Beavers and Cougars fans to learn about the landscape of WCC Women's Soccer, its that the Santa Clara Broncos are going to be a problem. If you see a coach with a nearly 40 year tenure, you have to assume that he's accomplished quite a bit. And Smith has. Two National Championships (in 2001 and 2020), 12 National Semifinals, 32 total Tournament Appearances. This is the school that gave U.S. Soccer Brandi Chastain and Aly Wagner. Its a school that expects to win.

They fell just short of a WCC title last year, but returned the NCAA Tournament and took down Arizona State 3-0 in the first round. If they want to get back, they're going to have to replace some key players. Annie Karich, last year's WCC Defender of the Year, elected to sign a pro contract in Germany. Farrah Walters, the Broncos top scorer last season, transferred to Duke. Defender Alyssa Bourgeois was taken by the Houston Dash in the NWSL Draft. Still, the team will return a lot of talent, including team captain Marlee Nicholls, All WCC First Team Midfielder Sally Menti, and Forward Jordyn Crosby, who made the All-WCC Freshmen Team. The Broncos also picked up some big transfers, including grabbing Marissa Vasquez from conference rival San Francisco. Despite turnover, the Broncos look ready to contend again.

Portland Pilots

Where They Play: Merlo Field at the Clive Charles Soccer Complex - Portland, Oregon
Head Coach: Michelle French (7th Season)
2023 Record: 10-4-3 Overall, 4-3-1 in WCC Play. 13 Points, T-4th in WCC
2023 Scoring: 26 Goals For, 9 Goals Against
2023 Top Scorer: Nedya Sawan, 7 Goals
History with Oregon State: Pilots lead 31-4-2
Last Match vs Oregon State: September 3rd, 2023; 1-1 Tie
History with Washington State: Pilots lead 19-1-3
Last Match vs Washington State: August 23rd, 2023; 1-0 Washington State Win

I mentioned up top that the WCC schools have won the National Championship four times. Santa Clara accounts for two of those. The Portland Pilots account for the other two. The Pilots took the crown in 2002 and 2005. The Pilots were a dominant program in the WCC for much of the 2000s, but started to slip in the 2010s. After bottoming out, a change in coaches brought Michelle French on board and she's been rebuilding the program.

The Pilots got back to the NCAA Tournament in 2022, but fell short last season. Despite that, there's a lot to like about this team. They have an incredibly stingy defense, highlighted by WCC Goalkeeper of the Year Bre Norris. Norris isn't just the best Goalkeeper in the conference, she's one of the best in the country, allowing only 9 goals last season. The Pilots did lose Defender Camille Ashe to Florida State, but returns much of their top talent. Portland need to find a way to score more if they want to contend, but Norris should steal some games they would otherwise lose.

Saint Mary's Gaels

Where They Play: Saint Mary’s Stadium - Moraga, California
Head Coach: Theresa Romagnolo (4th Season)
2023 Record: 10-5-3 Overall, 4-3-1 in WCC Play. 13 Points, T-4th in WCC
2023 Scoring: 29 Goals For, 21 Goals Against
2023 Top Scorer: Briana Salvetti, 10 Goals
History with Oregon State: Gaels lead 4-1
Last Match vs Oregon State: September 1st, 2019; 3-0 Oregon State Win
History with Washington State: Gaels lead 7-2-3
Last Match vs Washington State: September 7th, 2023; 1-0 Saint Mary’s Win

The Saint Mary's Gaels have struggled to find success in the West Coast Conference. The Gaels have never won the conference, and their last trip to the NCAA Tournament was in 2001. Since then, the Gaels haven't been able to compete with the top of the WCC, though there are some reasons to be optimistic.

Last year Saint Mary's had a solid season, highlighted by a stunning upset of the at the time15th ranked Cougars, but still couldn't compete with the top tier of the WCC. This season, the Gaels will also be missing their best player from the 2023 campaign, Defender Mackenna Carr, who was drafted by the Seattle Reign. Top scorer Briana Salvetti will return, fresh off a season where she earned All WCC Second Team honors, but it will be a tough road for Saint Mary's as they attempt to pass the teams ahead of them.

San Francisco Dons

Where They Play: Negoesco Stadium - San Francisco, California
Head Coach: Jim Millinder (14th Season)
2023 Record: 6-9-3 Overall, 3-4-1 in WCC Play. 10 Points, 6th in WCC
2023 Scoring: 24 Goals For, 28 Goals Against
2023 Top Scorer: Marissa Vasquez, 7 Goals
History with Oregon State: Beavers lead 7-3
Last Match vs Oregon State: August 17th, 2023; 1-0 Oregon State Win
History with Washington State: Dons lead 3-1
Last Match vs Washington State: September 30th, 2005; 4-0 Washington State Win

The San Francisco Dons are another team that has been unable to contend with the top teams in the West Coast Conference. The Dons have put together a few good seasons, including a 2015 season where they tied for second in the WCC, and head coach Jim Millinder has kept the team mostly competitive over his tenure, but San Francisco has never been able to play in the postseason.

Last season was an especially frustrating one for the Dons. San Francisco managed to knock off Santa Clara twice, pulling off a season sweep on arguably the best team in the conference. However, there only other conference wins were against Saint Mary's and San Diego, and a costly loss to Pacific and a tie against LMU meant that San Francisco was still far away from being a contender. To add insult to injury, the Dons star Forward, Marissa Vasquez, transferred to Santa Clara after the season had ended. Next season could be another rough one for San Francisco.

Pacific Tigers

Where They Play: Knoles Field - Stockton, California
Head Coaches: Danesha Adams and J.J. Wozniak (4th Season)
2023 Record: 9-9-1 Overall, 3-5 in WCC Play. 9 Points, 7th in WCC
2023 Scoring: 36 Goals For, 47 Goals Against
2023 Top Scorer: Jaida Nyby, 8 Goals
History with Oregon State: Beavers lead 4-1-1
Last Match vs Oregon State: August 31st, 2023; 3-1 Pacific Win
History with Washington State: Cougars lead 2-0-1
Last Match vs Washington State: September 6th, 1998; 2-2 (2OT) Tie

Despite pulling out the occasional big win, including knocking off the Beavers last year, Pacific has never been able to compete for the WCC Championship, nor have they ever been to the NCAA Tournament. They've only competed in the WCC since 2013, and they've finished at the bottom of the conference standings four times since then.

Things have been looking up since Danesha Adams and J.J. Wozniak took over as Co-Head Coaches four seasons ago. While they've still struggled in the WCC, the Tigers won 9 games last season, a big step up from the seasons where 3 wins was a struggle. The team did lose a couple of big names to graduation in the offseason, including leading scorer Jaida Nyby, but there is reason to be optimistic about a program that's struggled for a long time.

Loyola Marymount Lions

Where They Play: Sullivan Field - Los Angeles, California
Head Coach: Chris Chamides (3rd Season)
2023 Record: 6-10-3 Overall, 0-5-3 in WCC Play. 3 Points, 8th in WCC
2023 Scoring: Goals For 17, Goals Against 26
2023 Top Scorer: Jennessa Groves and Kylie Dobbs, 4 Goals Each
History with Oregon State: Beavers lead 2-1-1
Last Match vs Oregon State: August 29th, 2014; 0-0 Tie
History with Washington State: Cougars lead 2-1-1
Last Match vs Washington State: September 15th, 2019; 2-1 Washington State Win

For a few years in the 2010s Loyola Marymount could count themselves among the conference's best teams. While they never won a WCC Title, they were often only a game or two out of first, with their best season coming in 2015, when they took their last trip to the NCAA Tournament. The Lions took down California and Minnesota in the first two rounds to pick up their first ever postseason wins.

Starting in 2018, the Lions started falling back toward the bottom of the conference. After a 2021 season where they didn't win a game the Lions made a coaching change, bringing Chris Chamides on board, but haven't looked like they're ready to make a turn around just yet. Last year they still failed to beat any WCC opponents, but they did pick up 6 total wins, including a non-conference win against WCC rival San Diego, and held conference champion Gonzaga to a tie. Sometimes you've got to take your moral victories wherever you can find them.

San Diego Toreros

Where They Play: Torero Stadium - San Diego, California
Head Coach: Greg LaPorte (1st Season)
2023 Record: 1-15-2 Overall, 0-7-1 in WCC Play. 1 Point, 9th in WCC
2023 Scoring: 6 Goals For, 48 Goals Against
2023 Top Scorer: Lexi Zandonella-Arasa, 2 Goals
History with Oregon State: Beavers lead 2-1-2
Last Match vs Oregon State: September 18th, 2016; 2-1 (OT) Oregon State Win
History with Washington State: Cougars lead 2-0
Last Match vs Washington State: August 31st, 2012; 2-1 Washington State Win

For a long time the Toreros were among the WCC's top teams. Between 1996 and 2013, San Diego made 13 appearances in the NCAA Tournament. While they couldn't compete with Portland and Santa Clara's National Championships, they were clearly one of the best teams in the conference. Until they weren't. After a couple seasons without a return to the postseason, the Toreros made a coaching change, letting go of longtime coach Ada Greenwood and bringing on Louise Lieberman. Things did not improve under Lieberman, bottoming out last season when San Diego only managed one win, none of them in the WCC.

That prompted another coaching change, with Greg LaPorte now calling the shots for the Toreros. The change did prompt a big wave of transfers, with 5 players departing the program. While they did a good job of grabbing some veterans through graduate transfers, including UCLA Defender My Haugland Sørsdahl, this is a team that's going to need to rely on a lot of young talent, as they build toward whatever the next era of Torero soccer is going to be.

So Beaver and Cougar fans, what do you think of your new rivals? There's a lot of history here, with Portland and Gonzaga already regional rivalries for the Beavers and Cougars. Competing for a postseason berth will absolutely amp up a rivalry, and with competition in the West Coast Conference already high, 2024 should be an exciting season for both Oregon State and Washington State, despite the challenges playing in a new conference demands.

Published Jul 10, 2024|Modified Jul 10, 2024

JOHN SEVERS