Missouri Military Academy didn’t allow Mexico to have much last Thursday.

MMA at Mexico Photo Gallery

Class 1 No. 2 MMA went in ready for its crosstown matchup against Mexico, defeating the Bulldogs 6-1 on Mexico’s home field. The Colonels dominated all game, outshooting Mexico 33-4 and having two goals each from Fernando Puebla and Emilio Perez

Head coach Elliot Goodwin said the defense was tremendous and has been that all year from front to back, surrendering only 13 goals in 10 games. MMA (8-2) scored at least five goals for the fourth time this year, but players such as Avin Hernandez (hasn’t missed a minute), Eric Shellabarger and Alvaro Gonzalez have given the Colonels a strong presence that returned from last year’s team.

“Our defensive line has been solid all year,” Goodwin said. “First and foremost, if we can defend you, we win games. If we don’t concede goals, we’ll do well. It’s hard to change out the defensive line when they’re doing so well.”

Goodwin and the cadets were excited to beat Mexico (5-6) especially after losing 2-1 on MMA’s home field last year. This year’s victory continued the trend of the teams alternating wins over the past seven meetings. 

“The in-town rivalry game between MMA and Mexico is one that we always look forward to,” Goodwin said. “Last year, we were playing under difficult circumstances. We played Father Tolton the night before, so we were drained. This year, we knew what we were facing.”

MMA knew what to expect from Mexico but still had some struggles. Goodwin said the Colonels could have scored even more, but Grant Walker collected 16 saves for Mexico and MMA was called offsides various times. 

Goodwin said Mexico entices teams to go offsides, and MMA had to adjust to that. After leading 3-1 at halftime, the Colonels doubled their score while cutting out the offsides calls.

“In the first half, they were playing a really high defensive line,” Goodwin said. “Our guys were getting offsides a lot. It was very frustrating so it was something we talked about at halftime. Be hesitant with their runs, being patient and not going too early. We were being too direct at times as well.”

Goodwin said gaps opened up later in the game as Mexico became more worn down. Puebla and Perez each scored their second goals of the game, with Puebla connecting on a penalty kick. Alex McBride scored the first goal for MMA, and Triet Bui added one late in the game.

MMA was state-ranked last year and eventually finished with its most wins since 2018 with a 13-7 record. While the Colonels lost some key players, Goodwin said the players added to this year’s roster have given the team a boost. He said Perez joined the school that week and scored his first two goals against Mexico.

Puebla has been the biggest and most impactful addition by scoring a team-high 20 goals — 15 more than the next highest total. The Sonora, Mexico, native (near Arizona border) is in his first year at MMA and already has two games with at least three goals and only three games without multiple goals through 10 games.

“The main thing that made me be part of this family is my friends from Mexico,” Puebla said. “Our language and our culture makes us be united with each other. Most of the team is from Mexico so we communicate well. That’s what helped me score those goals.”

Becoming accustomed to a new environment didn’t take too long, Puebla said, because he feels so close to his teammates and how well they work on the field. He said this was definitely the case against Mexico.

“We have the ability to communicate with each other because we have a very good relationship at MMA,” Puebla said. “We’re like a family or brotherhood. We just trust each other and make the plays. Being the competitive kids we are is what makes us the best team in the district.”

Ethan Medina is one member of the MMA defense that will be out the rest of the season, Goodwin said, but is still excited about what he has with the mixture of talented returners and additions. He said MMA can only get better.

MMA is looking for its first district title since 2018 and at least a better ending than last season’s 4-0 district championship loss to Father Tolton. Puebla believes the Colonels can win that title along with another one.

“I think we’re going to win the district and also the state,” Puebla said. “I think we’re going to be the best team in the state.”

MMA hosts district foe Canton (0-7) at 5 p.m. Thursday. The Colonels’ record changed to 8-3 after a 4-2 loss on Saturday at Father Tolton (6-7). Puebla and Hernandez each scored goals; Shellabarger had six steals and Hernandez and Aidan Zoroufsky each recorded four steals; and Gihana Favour Nziza made seven saves.