Sandia Prep Boys Soccer Defeats NMMI, 3-1, to Capture Class A-3A State Championship

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Sandia Prep boys soccer team had been ranked as the number one seed all season long and Thursday afternoon capped off their season with a state championship after defeating three-seeded New Mexico Military Institute, 3-1.

The Sundevils struck early after freshman forward Soukama Nakigan scored a goal to put Sandia Prep up 1-0.

Then later, off a corner kick, junior defender Will Collins found the back of the of the net to extend the Sundevils’ lead to 2-0.

NMMI responded with a goal thanks to a great shot by Armando Medina and the Colts trailed going into halftime 2-1.

In the 54th minute, Sandia Prep was looking for the dagger and they got it when senior midfielder Philip Miletkov scored to make it a 3-1 game.

This is the first state title for the Sundevils since 2022 and they finished the year with a 20-2-1 record.

Collins spoke afterwards on what it meant to have played in the past few state championships but coming up short and to finally cap it off with a title this year.

“It’s very, very exciting. I’ve, played in this a couple times. Lost twice. But it’s so exciting. I love my team. I love every single player on this team. And I’m so happy for everybody here”, said Collins.

This was the 14th state title for head coach Tommy Smith. All have come while at the helm for the Sundevils.

“It’s been one of the more fun teams to coach. I’m very happy for them because 12 of these guys are going to leave the program, and this is a great way for them to finish out their senior pro soccer careers”, said Smith.

The post Sandia Prep Boys Soccer Defeats NMMI, 3-1, to Capture Class A-3A State Championship appeared first on KOB 4.