Last season, the Cerritos women’s soccer team went undefeated, 22-0-4, won a second consecutive state title, and earned its first ever national title.

If that weren’t enough, they have had one final honor bestowed upon them before the start to the new season.

The Falcons enter the 2009 season ranked as the number one team in the nation for the first time in school history.

According to head coach Ruben Gonzalez, the key to success is hard work and consistency the entire season.

“We just have to work hard everyday and be consistent with what we’re doing. They know what’s expected of them based on the success we’ve had.”

So far, Gonzalez is definitely impressed with what he’s seen at training.

“I think this is probably the hardest working team we’ve had here at Cerritos. They’re all hard workers. We started on July 6, and their work has been very consistent.”

The players are working hard individually, not just for a victory, but are competing for playing time.

With only six returners coming back to defend their national title, most positions in the starting 11 are still up for grabs.

Unquestionably, the biggest gap has been left by last year’s National Soccer Coaches Association of America Division III Player of the Year, Corina Villegas.

Gonzalez admits that “It’s always hard to replace a national player of the year. But we have a sophomore player that transferred in, Nancy Gandillas. I expect a lot from her.”

Gandillas will have help trying to fill the offensive hole by captain Ruby Leon.

Gonzalez said, “She’s a real talented player. We expect a lot from her as well.”

Even with these high expectations, Leon is calm and confident about the upcoming season.

“Personally, I don’t feel much pressure. We know a lot of teams are going to try and go after us and knock us off. But, as long as we play our game we will be good,” said the captain.

Although goals may be the attractive most part of the beautiful game, it is defense that wins championships.

Taking charge of the defense for the this season will be Miranda Madrid, Morgan Thompson and Justine Tejas.

This trio will be working to try and keep with the high standard set by last year’s team, who ended the season with a 0.46 goals allowed per game.

The high standards and expectations are not limited the defense alone.

Although the team is taking things one step at a time, for a team entering the season ranked No. 1 in the country there can only be one ultimate goal: another national title.

“Your first goal is always to win conference. Your second goal is to win a state championship,” Gonzalez said.

Though he added, “Anything less than another championship, we feel will be a disappointment.”

With all the hard work going into training, the team is eager to get this new season under way.

“We’ve been battling against each other for the last two months almost and (the players) are excited to finally see competition. They’ll be excited to finally see different faces going against them,” said Gonzalez.

The women will set out to prove they deserve their No. 1 ranking when they open the Sea Breeze Tournament in Oxnard against Sierra College on Aug. 29, at 4 p.m.

After the weekend tournament, the team will continue to play on the road with games at Taft, Oxnard and Consumnes River.

The Falcons’ home opener is set for Sep. 18 against Palomar.