Every year, some of the most important dates on the calendar are the ones that have MiraCosta College teams squaring off with rival Palomar College. Friday nights men's soccer game had been highlighted for some time for the Spartan coaching staff because it was the first game of conference play, and also because it was a another rivalry game.  The rivalry games carry special signiificance because of local bragging rights, but also because of the impact they can have on recruiting battles later in the spring. After 90 minutes MiraCosta came out on top, with the final score 2-0. Including Friday's game, MiraCosta men's soccer has won four out of the last five meetings with the Comets.

For Spartan fans, the game didn't disappoint.  The two teams took the field for the 6PM kickoff and played underneath the lights.  A big crowd of fans and the soccer community came to watch what would be a high energy but one-sided game, with MiraCosta winning 2-0 to start conference play off with a victory. 

MiraCosta started off the scoring with a goal by Shih-Kuan Yang from an assist by sophomore attacker, Jose Aguirre.  Yang scored in the 11th minute which set the tone early for the Spartans.  MiraCosta's second goal was scored by Alexis Aparicio with the assist from George Silva.  Aparicio scored the second goal of the game in the 79th minute to give the Spartans some breathing room.

Spartan goalkeeper Jeshua Lombana maintained a clean sheet with three saves and the shutout.  Lombana was supported by his backline of Yang, Juan Diaz, John Rivera and David Garcia.

MiraCosta is next in action as they continue conference play against Mesa College on Tuesday. The Spartans will host the Olympians for a 4PM kickoff at MiraCosta College.