In a thrilling display of tenacity and skill, the Mira Costa boys soccer squad triumphed over their Bay League arch-rivals, Palos Verdes, clinching the South Holiday Tournament title with a nail-biting 2-1 overtime victory.
It was Palos Verdes’ Willie Knotek who first lit the scoreboard ablaze, executing a well-placed free kick in the first half that left the Mustangs momentarily reeling. But the roar of the crowd surged when Mira Costa’s very own Trenton Zimmermann found the back of the net, skillfully equalizing the match and propelling it into the high-stakes realm of overtime.
As the palpable tension escalated, it was Brad Shearer who emerged as the hero, crafting a golden goal that sealed the fate of the game in favor of Mira Costa. The Mustangs’ goalkeeper, Cole Kubitz, was an unsung sentinel, boasting an impressive performance with five crucial saves that ultimately contributed to their narrow victory.
Before this climactic finale, Mira Costa (9-1) had marked their path to glory with a decisive 2-1 semifinal win over Santa Monica, where Zimmermann and Tosh Bridges each showcased their scoring prowess. Meanwhile, Palos Verdes (8-1-1) secured their place in the championship by outmaneuvering Redondo in a dramatic penalty shootout, where Kyle Colaruotolo also left his mark during regular play.
With an exhilarating victory now under their belts, the Mira Costa Mustangs are set to carry this momentum forward, igniting the season with boundless determination and desire.
