The pre-season schedule for the MiraCosta men's soccer team has been anything but easy. With games against numerous top teams in the state the Spartans have been thoroughly tested.  To finish off their pre-season schedule MiraCosta earned a 0-0 tie against Rio Hondo College, last year's #9 team in the state of California.  In the previous four games MiraCosta also played against last year's top team (Mt. San Antonio) and Santa Ana College, also finished in the top 15 of the state ranking.

To start the game against Rio Hondo the Spartans played with noticeable energy and intensity.  MiraCosta had numerous early opportunities, one by Dagoberto Dominguez.  Goal keeper Seth Ketterer was impressive for the 70 minutes he was on the field. Ketterer finished with seven saves.  Eric Barajas, sophomore goal keeper finished the game for the Spartans and added two key saves.

Matt Short's energy stood out throughout the course of the game. He won many balls in the middle that allowed MiraCosta chances to go on the attack.  In the 75th minute Arturo Rocha had a near miss that would have put the Spartans ahead one goal.  As it was, both teams had opportunites to score but came up empty.

MiraCosta begins the sixteen game conference schedule  on Tuesday at home versus cross-town rival Palomar College. Kick off is at 4pm.