Second in State — Colonels Soccer Brings Home State Trophy

The Missouri Military Academy soccer team finished its 2024 season on Thursday, Nov. 21 night, by bringing home the state runner-up trophy for Class 1. Despite a tough 4-0 loss to No. 1 ranked Valley Park, No. 3 MMA Colonels accomplished a season to be proud of — carrying a nine-game winning streak into the state championship game.

“On behalf of Missouri Military Academy, I am immensely proud of our soccer team’s outstanding accomplishment this season, culminating in a remarkable second-place finish in the state. The team’s positive attitude, determination, and teamwork on and off the field were exemplary, showcasing the true spirit of what it means to be an MMA cadet. Beyond their impressive athletic performance, they displayed exceptional sportsmanship, representing the Academy with honor and integrity," said MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret). "I was especially impressed with head coach Elliot Goodwin's leadership and assistant coach Rodrigo Padilla."

Following a 2-1 win against St. Pius X in the semi-final championship game, the Colonels advanced to the championship match-up at Harlen C. Hunter Stadium at Lindenwood University in St. Charles. The second-place finish is the Colonel's first state trophy since 1992 in the program's second-ever Final Four appearance. The Colonels finished their season with a 17 and 5 record. Following a rough start, allowing two goals within the first three minutes and three goals within the first 15 minutes, the Colonels shut out the Hawks (25-3) in the second half.

"I am extremely proud of our soccer team, coaches, support staff, and the entire Academy," said MMA Athletic Director Brian Meny. "These are memories made that will last a lifetime."

"As a soccer parent, I am very impressed with how all the cadets (soccer players and spectators) handled themselves during the state games. All the boys were very respectful to everyone," said MMA parent Tami Rudolph. "The soccer team showed amazing sportsmanship on the field and after the game. Parents and MMA staff/faculty should be proud for raising amazing young gentlemen."

Colonels fans and the Mexico community cheered the team with a big send-off prior to the game and kept the Colonels' pride high in the stadium throughout the championship match-up.

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Colonels State Runner-up Soccer Team

Coaches: Elliot Goodwin and Rodrigo Padilla '15

 Athletic Director: Brian Meny

• Triet Bui '25 (Kom Tum City, Kom Tum Province, Vietnam)
• YiChen (Vicky) Chen '27 (Shenzhen, China)
• Mateo Eaton Villarreal '26 (San Pedro Garza García, Mexico)
• Emilio Jose Gomez '25 (San Pedro Garza García, Mexico)
• Alvaro Gonzalez Farre '25 (Atizapan, Mexico)
• Avin Hernandez '25 (Mexico, MO)
• Anuar Hidalgo '28 (San Andres Cholula, Mexico)
• Duc Ho '26 (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
• Cooper Johnston '25 (Ardmore, OK)
• Nicolas Kavalenka '26 (Boca Raton, FL)
• Emilano Martinez '27 (Ciudad Victoria, Mexico)
• Alexander McBride '25 (Chapel Hill, NC)
• Ethan Medina '25 (Shady Shores, TX)
• Gihana Favour Nziza '25 (Kigali, Rwanda)
• Emilio Perez Ojeda '26 (Martinez de la Torre, Mexico)
• Fernando Puebla '26 (Scottsdale, AZ)
• Dominic Roberts '26 (Sullivan, MO)
• Trey Rudolph '25 (Kansas City, MO)
• Partrico Sanchez '25 (Juriquilla Queretaro, Mexico)
• Eric Shellabarger '27 (Mexico, MO)
• Mu Ye '25 (Laurens, SC)
• Aiden Zoroufchy '27 (St. Charles, MO)
• Managers: Eli Mumm '30 (Des Moines, IA), Anuar Hidalgo '28 (San Andres Cholula, Mexico) and Phuc Ngo '26 (Go Vap, Vietnam)

See photos below and on Flickr.

 Missouri Military Academy flag and bagpipes lead the 2024 soccer team through a school send-off to the team's state championship game against Valley Park.

 Missouri Military Academy soccer team line-up before the 2024 state championship game.

 Missouri Military Academy varsity starters huddle up before the state championship game.

 Missouri Military Academy's #10 Fernando Puebla drives the soccer ball.

MMA's Mu Ye races an opponent for control of the soccer ball.

Senior co-captain Alexander McBride makes his way forward with the soccer ball. 

Missouri Military Academy goalkeeper Gihana Favour Nziza defends the goal.

Missouri Military Academy's Mateo Eaton leaps to head the ball.

Missouri Military Academy's Avin Hernandez executes a pass while being closely pursued by a Valley Park opponent.

Missouri Military Academy's Patricio Sanchez battles an opponent for the ball.