A Season of Momentum and Expectation
The Colonels opened the campaign with a strong run, posting five victories in their first six matches, four of which featured shutouts and four that saw the team score at least eight goals. The early success hinted at a potent offense and a defense that could hold its own.
However, the team’s first district encounter against Moberly ended in a loss, a setback that reminded the squad of the competitive nature of high‑school soccer in the region.
Head coach Rodrigo Padilla emphasizes that the experience gained from that game will fuel daily improvement, focusing on discipline, communication and consistency as the core pillars of his philosophy.
Returning captains Emiliano Martinez and Eric Shellabarger, both veterans of the state tournament roster, provide leadership and a link to the program’s recent triumphs. Their presence is complemented by a roster of roughly 40 cadets drawn from multiple grade levels, many of whom are eager to prove themselves.
Coach Padilla stresses that the team will challenge each cadet to reach their full potential, aiming to compete at the highest level and represent Missouri Military Academy with pride.