After two scrimmages against four year universities earlier in the month, the MiraCosta men's soccer team took the field in their first scheduled match of the 2022 season.  The Spartans took on Santa Monica College and looked like the more prepared team in the first 45 minutes.  

MiraCosta kept possession well can created a number of opportunities.  Sophomore forward Jose Aguirre and winger Kyle Carrington put pressure on the Santa Monica defense the it was Rudy Padilla off the bench, who scored the first goal of the match.  After Padilla's break away goal the Spartans took a 1-0 lead and their confidence grew with it.  In the second half it was much of the same.  MiraCosta built to strong scoring opportunities but unfortunately were not able to extend their lead.

Defensively MiraCosta was anchored by Shih Kuan Yang and Juan Diaz who secured the middle of the backline.  

Late in the second half Santa Monica was fouled in the box and took advantage of the penalty kick, to equalize the score just before the final whistle.

The Spartans are next in action on Friday, September 2nd, at 4PM when they take on Golden West College at home.