Along with returning players, freshman, and transfers, Cal Poly will have defensive midfielder Kody Wakasa back in the lineup. By Owen Main

After their 2-0 defeat of Cal State Monterey Bay, Cal Poly men’s soccer will continue their exhibition season with a match against Pac-12 champion Stanford on Saturday evening at 7:00pm at Alex G. Spanos Stadium. Admission is free.

Under new head coach, Steve Sampson, Cal Poly is changing some things about the way they play. Sampson told all players that no positions were guaranteed going into the Spring season, and players seem to have taken it to heart.

The return of Ruben Duran and Kody Wakasa, both of whom redshirted last season, along with transfer Bjorn Sandberg bolsters the team’s depth immediately. Cal Poly only lost one player to graduation after last season.

Also back in the mix are Brett Foreman and Nick Carroll, both of whom missed significant time last year. Adding in the freshmen who will compete next season, it seems that depth — a weakness for the Mustangs a season ago — may be slowly turning into a strength.

Steve Sampson has high expectations for the Cal Poly program. While the outcome of a spring game or two won’t make a huge difference in the long run, players are fighting for Fall playing time right now, and I think it will be fascinating to watch this team’s transition over the next 12-18 months.

After the Stanford game, Cal Poly has a few additional games this spring. Head Coach Steve Sampson discusses it below.

Photos by Owen Main