Spartans Extend Unbeaten Streak to 10 with Draw Against Southwestern

OCEANSIDE, Calif. — In a battle between the top two teams in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference, the MiraCosta College women's soccer team showed grit and composure, earning a 1-1 draw against Southwestern on Tuesday afternoon. The result extends the Spartans' unbeaten streak to 10 matches as both programs continue their push toward postseason play.

Southwestern struck first just before halftime, capitalizing in the 43rd minute to take a 1-0 lead. MiraCosta continued to control possession and generate chances, outshooting the Jaguars 23-7 on the day. Their persistence finally paid off late in the match when Bridget Marino netted the equalizer in the 88th minute to keep the Spartans' streak alive.

Monica Martinez was steady in goal, recording seven saves, while Amslee Mikichi, Hailey Benito, Shelby Maldonado, and Kristal Hernandez each helped lead the attack with multiple shots on goal. The Spartan midfield, anchored by Mikichi and Benito and Adile Oceguera, dictated the pace and kept the Jaguars under pressure throughout the second half.

The defense was stellar as they have been the whole year with Mylie Tinoisamoa, Martina Ertz, Brooklyn Fritz and Aaliyah Arce limiting the Jaguars to only a few chances in 90 minutes.

Head Coach Daniel Salas praised the team's resilience, noting how they "continue to respond well to every challenge and find ways to compete to the final whistle."

With the tie, MiraCosta remains firmly in the mix for the conference title and continues to build momentum heading into the postseason. The Spartans return to action later this week as they look to extend their unbeaten streak to 11.