Nor Cal history was made last night as Stockton Cargo SC clinched a playoff berth for the first time in the division’s three years. The team opened the season on fire and never took its foot off the gas, going undefeated (9-0-2) in the largest division in the league to claim a spot in the postseason. 

“This season really has been a dream come true,” said Lee Neves, club owner and CEO. “From the very first genesis of bringing a USL W League team to Stockton, to where we sit now at the top of the table, it’s been an absolutely amazing ride. We put together a team that reflects the hard-working, blue-collar spirit of Stockton, that truly plays together and sells out for each other every single game.” 

Here’s how Stockton sailed towards the playoffs:  

Experienced attack  

Stockton’s 36 goals in nine matches this season highlight the impact of the team’s experienced attacking players. Two critical components of Stockton’s offense are Hannah Diaz and Vanessa Penuna. Diaz had an impressive collegiate career at Saint Mary’s before playing professionally overseas and in the NWSL, and she has played every minute of this W League season, recording five goals and an assist. Penuna, who has also never left the pitch this season and scored six goals, joined the Cargo after playing with Deportivo Toluca in the top tier of professional women’s soccer in Mexico.  

The international experience continues with midfielder Mika Sayfurahman, who was recently named to the W League May Team of the Month and has competed with the Afghanistan Women’s National Team. Cargo striker Jamia Fields, who won a national championship with the Florida State Seminoles, has professional experience as well as appearances for the U.S. at the youth level.  

The talent on Stockton’s roster along with the knowledge and experience from these players has created the perfect combination for success. 

Comeback victories 

Stockton’s perseverance and grit while trailing in matches has been essential in getting the team to this point. Last month, it faced then-table leader San Juan SC and conceded a goal at the four-minute mark. Cargo stayed composed and found the equalizer later in the half, resulting in a 1-1 draw to earn a critical point and maintain its undefeated record.  

Stockton later fought its way to a 4-3 victory in its first clash against Pleasanton RAGE after falling into a two-goal deficit within the first 20 minutes. Goals by Yareli Hernandez and Penuna had things all square by halftime, and a massive brace from Fields in the final 15 minutes secured the win and moved Stockton to the top of the division.  

Taking down division leaders  

The Cargo began their campaign with strong statements against previous Nor Cal Division leaders that set the tone for the rest of the season. Stockton’s home opener was a dominant 3-1 victory against Oakland Soul SC, which was the first time it had ever defeated its inner-state rival. The two sides met again earlier this month, and the game-winner from Samantha Tristan earned Stockton the 2-1 win for the season sweep over Oakland. 

The Cargo also earned results against last year’s division champs California Storm and 2023 Western Conference winners San Francisco Glens SC. After drawing 1-1 in its first meeting with the Storm, Stockton struck back last week with a 90th minute game-winner from Fields for a 1-0 win. In their lone match of the season against the Glens, the Cargo had another come-from-behind victory, winning 2-1 with second-half goals from Maleah Evans and Alexis Pashales. 

Stockton’s impressive roster and comeback performances this season have helped the squad rise from a fourth-place finish last season to the top of the table in 2025. The team has built confidence and momentum over the course of the summer, and it will be exciting to watch in its first playoffs in July.