Cal Poly Will Host UCSB for Rivalry Match
The Cal Poly Mustangs and UCSB Gauchos soccer teams will play at Spanos Stadium on September 25, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Soccer
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The upcoming Blue-Green Rivalry match between the Cal Poly Mustangs and UCSB Gauchos is set for 7 p.m. at Spanos Stadium on September 25, 2026. This matchup follows a history of closely contested games, including a 1-0 UCSB victory during the 2025 season.
Why it matters
The rivalry remains a staple of the soccer schedule for both institutions despite upcoming conference changes. As Cal Poly prepares to move to the Pac-12 in 2026 and UCSB joins the West Coast Conference in 2027, the two schools will continue their home-and-away series.
The all-time series between the two programs currently stands at 16 wins for UCSB and 13 wins for Cal Poly, with 9 total draws. In their most recent matchup on September 28, 2024, Cal Poly secured a 2-0 victory featuring a penalty kick goal by Diego Guerra.
The players
Cal Poly Mustangs
This is the soccer team representing the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.
UCSB Gauchos
This is the soccer team representing the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Diego Guerra
He is a soccer player known for scoring a penalty kick goal in the 70th minute against UCSB.
Parker Owens
He is a soccer player who was sidelined by a season-ending knee injury.
The details
Cal Poly will employ a defensive lineup anchored by Tanner Casey, Cole Aman, Michael Baumgaertel, Matt Rajecki, and Peyton Marmion. The program previously dealt with the loss of Parker Owens, who suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Timeline
September 28, 2024: Cal Poly defeated UCSB 2-0.
2025 season: UCSB defeated Cal Poly 1-0.
September 25, 2026: The Blue-Green rivalry match occurs at 7 p.m.
2026: Cal Poly joins the Pac-12 Conference.
2027: UCSB joins the West Coast Conference.
Season Trajectory
This game marks a continuation of the Blue-Green Rivalry series that will persist despite both programs moving to new athletic conferences. The match maintains the tradition of a home-and-away series for both schools as they transition toward different league memberships.
The match result will influence the all-time win-loss record between the two programs and serve as a significant non-conference benchmark. Fans should watch for the performance of Cal Poly's defensive unit against the Gauchos offense in this 7 p.m. contest at Spanos Stadium.
The takeaway
The sustained commitment to this rivalry highlights how collegiate programs prioritize historic matchups even amid wider conference realignment. Fans can expect continued intensity in this home-and-away series throughout the coming years.
Further reading
For more on local matches, visit the Soccer section.
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