Women’s soccer enters 2021 with new defending champ

For the first time in 16 years the Orange Empire Conference has a new defending conference champion in 2021 in Cypress College. The Chargers snapped a 15-year streak by Santiago Canyon in 2019…a streak that started in 2004. However, it was Santiago Canyon that went on to win the CCCAA state title in 2019, which was their second straight and fourth state title since 2006.

The Orange Empire Conference has always been a state power in women's soccer. OEC programs have captured seven state titles since 1998, with Santiago Canyon winning four and Cypress winning three.

With all the teams having a season off due to COVID-19 in 2020, how will the dynamics change? Most of the rosters are reportedly bursting in numbers, providing optimism for all of the squads.

Women's soccer starts regular season play this Friday, with five different programs in action on opening day. Saddleback hosts Cerritos (3PM), Fullerton hosts Citrus (3PM), Irvine Valley travels to Southwestern (3PM), Golden West travels to LA Pierce (5PM) and Orange Coast hosts LA Harbor (5PM) to open up the season.

OEC play is scheduled to start in late September.

Release by Brad Hoiseth (Saddleback SID / Women's Soccer Representative)