MiraCosta Women’s Soccer Delivers Impressive Campaign in New Era

In a year defined by fresh faces, a new voice on the sideline, and a renewed competitive edge, the MiraCosta College women's soccer team delivered one of its strongest seasons in recent memory. Under first-year head coach Daniel Salas, the Spartans blended new energy with relentless work ethic, finishing second in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference, hosting a postseason match, and pushing one of the region's top teams to the brink in a heartbreaking second-round playoff exit.

A New Era, a New Identity

With a roster built largely from players not on campus last year, the Spartans grew quickly into one of the conference's toughest and most cohesive squads. Their 11 conference results without a loss and balanced attack made them dangerous every game.

All-Conference Honors

Five Spartans earned all-conference recognition for their impact on both ends of the pitch:

• Martina Ertz

• Mylie Tinoisamoa

• Amslee Mikichi

• Adile Oceguera

• Hailey Benito

Each played a major role in shaping MiraCosta's rise.

Offensive Firepower

The Spartans' attacking group was one of the most productive in the PCAC:

• Goals:

  • Amslee Mikichi – 12

  • Shelby Maldonado – 10

  • Hailey Benito – 9

  • Adile Oceguera – 8

• Assists:

  • Adile Oceguera – 11

  • Hailey Benito – 8

  • Bridget Marino— 6

  • Shelby Maldonado – 5

• Total Points:

  • Hailey Benito – 26

  • Amslee Mikichi – 25

  • Shelby Maldonado – 25

  • Adile Oceguera – 19

  • Bridget Marino – 14

  • Kristal Hernandez – 12

  • Martina Ertz – 12

The balance across the front line kept defenses guessing and gave MiraCosta scoring threats all over the field.

Defensive Backbone

In goal, Monica Martinez was outstanding. Playing in 20 games, she allowed just 18 goals and recorded 86 saves, finishing with an impressive .827 save percentage—one of the best in the region.

The back line, anchored by starters Ertz, Tinoisamo, Aaliyah Arce and Brooklyn Fritz, provided stability and toughness throughout the season. Their consistency was key to the team's ability to grind out results in tight conference matchups.

Depth That Made a Difference

MiraCosta also key contributions from a strong supporting group that delivered crucial minutes all year:
Gabriella Martinez, Danica Bonds, Kirsten Mota, Diana Rodriguez, and Nathalia Herrera each brought energy, versatility, and reliability whenever called upon.

Unfortunate Injuries

The Spartans also had to navigate tough blows, as Alison Lambert and Chanel Lucca both missed a major part of the season due to injury. Each made an early impact and remained valuable members of the group throughout the year.

A Foundation Built for the Future

The season ended in the second round after an intense battle that went down to the wire, but the message was clear: MiraCosta women's soccer is surging forward. With a new culture, rising talent, and clear momentum, the Spartans set a new standard under Coach Salas—and the future looks even brighter.