![Lena Bachman dribbles during a recent soccer game.](/sports/wsoc/2024-25/WSOC_Lena.jpg)
Oceanside, Ca - The MiraCosta College women's soccer team has been on fire all year long, and Wednesday was no different. After a slow start against a gritty Bakersfield College team, the Spartans managed two late goals to survive and advance in the 3C2A state playoffs. Despite many scoring chances, MiraCosta remained tied 0-0 at halftime. However, after relentlessly pressing the Renegades, the Spartans scored two goals to gain control of the game and earn the victory.
The first goal was in the 87th minute and was scored by Heidi Alarcon and assisted by Jazmyne Arispe. The second goal, in the 90th minute, was scored by Arispe from Lena Bachman. MiraCosta finished with a total of nine shots on goals and had a number of other shots throughout the two halves.
The attacking players weren't the only ones to shine in their role, however, the entire roster played well for MiraCosta. The defense, anchored by PCAC Player of the Year, Raigan Jager, goalkeeper, Arely Sarabia completed yet another shutout. Jager's holds down the backline, with Kelsey Dukes-Samala, Mylie Tinaoisamoa, Verily Mikichi and Alarcon, combining a big effort with tremendous skill and awareness of eachother. In the middle of the field, Maki Schwalbe and Arispe controlled the ball and distributed it to their attacking players, creating the many scoring opportunities that the Spartans had in 90 minutes.
With the win, MiraCosta improves to 17-4-1 overall. The victory is the first playoff win for the program in the recent history. The win comes after the Spartan team won its second conference championship, in as many years. They finished undefeated in conference play both in 2023 (14-0-2) and 2024 (15-0-1).
Next up MiraCosta will travel to Chaffey College on Saturday, 11/23, for the second round of the 3C2A state playoffs. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30pm.