Spartans Blank Rival Palomar, Stay In First-Place Tie

Oceanside, CA (October 28, 2025) — The MiraCosta College men's soccer team delivered a commanding 3-0 win over rival Palomar College on Tuesday afternoon, extending their unbeaten streak to six matches and pulling even with Cuyamaca College for first place in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference standings.

The Spartans (8-1-1 PCAC, 9-2-6 overall) wasted little time asserting control on their home field. In the 22nd minute, Silas Tackaberry opened the scoring off a sharp assist from Dominik Wicks, giving MiraCosta an early edge. Just before halftime, Steven Renner doubled the lead with an unassisted strike, sending the Spartans into the break up 2-0.

MiraCosta sealed the win in the 65th minute when Cesar Cruz buried a cross from Kellen Love, capping a strong all-around performance. The Spartans defense, anchored by goalkeeper Jesse Carlos, held Palomar scoreless and limited them to just four shots on goal. Carlos recorded his fourth shutout of the season, finishing with four saves.  The defensive line which includes, Dominik Wiks, Alejandro Colina, Thierry McElroy and Love continue to do their jobs at a high level, giving up just one goal in the last six games.

With the victory, MiraCosta climbs into a tie with Cuyamaca (8-1-1 PCAC, 14-1-2 overall) atop the conference table. Both teams are riding six-match unbeaten streaks heading into a crucial showdown this Friday in Oceanside.

According to the latest 3C2A Power Point Rankings, Cuyamaca ranks 18th statewide while MiraCosta sits close behind at 28th—setting up a matchup with significant postseason implications.

"Our guys have been focused and disciplined down the stretch," said head coach Frank Zimmerman. "We're defending well, creating chances, and showing real belief. Friday's game is the kind of moment you work all season for."

MiraCosta will host Cuyamaca College this Friday at 3 p.m. in a match that will likely determine the PCAC title and playoff seeding.