Matias Garcia spearheaded a pair of shutout victories to open 2026 for Mid-America Christian University this past week. Garcia led his team to a 3-0 win over Paul Quinn College and a 5-0 victory over 2025 NAIA National Tournament qualifier Concordia University (Neb.). In the win over Paul Quinn, Garcia and the Evangel back line did not allow a single shot. The defensive effort becomes the first time the team has not allowed a shot since 2021. Against Concordia, Garcia and the defense allowed just three shots with one being on goal. Garcia played 136 of the 180 available minutes to start the year and helped Mid-America Christian to a 2-0-0 start.
Stats on the week: 136 Minutes Played, 3 Opp Offsides, 0 GA
Nominees: Matias Garcia, Mid-America Christian University; David Spicer Jr., Ohio Christian University