IRVINE, Calif. – The nationally ranked Concordia University Irvine women's soccer team kicks off a new season this September and has gained respect across the league after recent success in the postseason.

Now the goal is to capture that first conference title on the pitch in the NCAA DII era.

The PacWest coaches feel that very well could happen as they voted the Golden Eagles second of 14 teams in the league's annual preseason poll. Defending national champion Point Loma claims the top spot with 12 first place votes, while CUI received one first place vote, as did Hawaii Hilo. The Vulcans project to finish third with APU and Westmont rounding out the top five.

Concordia begins the season ranked No. 22 in all of NCAA DII in the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll. The Green and Gold rose as high as No. 5 in the national poll a year ago.

The Golden Eagles are led this year by goalkeeper Riley Urquiza and senior Olivia Ocampo. Both were Second Team All-PacWest selections last fall. Urquiza helped anchor a fantastic defensive effort last season by the squad, as the Golden Eagles rattled off nine straight shutouts. Last year's squad shattered the school record for the longest scoreless minutes streak, while also posting a new program record with 10 shutouts and the fewest goals allowed in a single season.

Both Urquiza and Ocampo are among the headliners of this year's PacWest Preseason Watch List, which includes all returning All-Conference selections from 2023.

CLICK HERE for the PacWest Women's Soccer Preseason Watch List

No. 22 Concordia begins the season with its home opener on Friday, Sept. 6 at 6:30 p.m. against Cal State San Bernardino.  This comes after home scrimmages on Tuesday and Friday this week.

CLICK HERE for the full CUI women's soccer schedule

CLICK HERE for the full PacWest women's soccer preview