Familiar teams found at top of first CCCSIA Men's Soccer Poll of 2024

SAN BERNARDINO - The calendar may have changed years, but from the early returns so far in 2024, the top men’s soccer teams in the state haven’t changed much at all.

And the opening poll from the California Community College Sports Information Association reflects that.

Mt. San Antonio has opened the season posting a 3-0-1 record against non-3C2A teams, taking the top spot in the season's first poll. Subsequent polls will be released every other week. On Thursday, the Mounties will get their first crack at a 3C2A team when they host No. 18 San Bernardino Valley (2-0-1).

Joining Mt. SAC at the top of the poll is perennial power Oxnard at No. 2. The Condors, who earned one first-place vote, opened the season with a pair of victories. Right behind them are the defending state champions, El Camino, which received three first-place votes. The Warriors needed a rally in its opener to knock off Irvine Valley, 6-4, then played No. 9 Santa Monica to a 1-1 draw. Their next challenge is against co-No. 4 Norco, the last team to beat El Camino, which happened on Sept. 5 of last season.

Norco sits at No. 4 tied with San Joaquin Delta. Those two teams edged out Hartnell at No. 6. Mendocino was the only other team to receive a first-place vote, landing in a tie for No. 7 with Skyline.

The next CCCSIA poll will be conducted on Sep. 17.

(Bill Norris, San Bernardino Valley College Athletics)