Women's soccer edged by Irvine Valley

Twice the MiraCosta College women's soccer team scored a goal to tie the match, but it was the chance at a third tie that the Spartans came up just short at converting as they fell to Irvine Valley College, 3-2, on Tuesday evening.

Bianca Gastelum played a part in both of MiraCosta's (0-3) goals as she tied the match at 1-1 in the 27th minute following a corner kick from Peyton Brittain. Next, a free kick from Gastelum six minutes into the second half led to the Spartans second goal of the game, this time from Alexandria Stewart, to make it 2-2 after the Laser's goalkeeper, Yesenia Pulido, failed to corral the kick from Gastelum.

After giving up what would prove to be the deciding goal in the 63rd minute, the Spartans had multiple chances to tie the match yet again.

Two minutes after Irvine Valley (2-1-2) took the lead back, Brittain missed high from the middle of the box with only the keeper in front of her. Then, a header from Gastelum after another corner by Brittain was blocked away in the 78th minute, and a minute later, a shot by Valerie Mathys off a cross from Brittain was saved by Pulido.

After trailing 2-1 at the intermission, the MiraCosta defense held the Lasers to only two shots in the second period.

Gastelum led the Spartans attack with four shots, all on goal and three of which came in the first 27 minutes. Mathys was next with two shots, both on goal.

Next up, MiraCosta heads to Orange Coast College for a 3 p.m. showdown on Friday, September 9.