Men's Soccer Captures Second Straight Region III Title with 1–0 Win Over Genesee

BATAVIA, N.Y.  - In a tightly contested matchup, the Lakers broke through late as Allan Matheus (Sergipe, Brazil/Americano Batista) delivered the game-winner in the 71st minute to secure the program's second-straight regional title and return trip to the NJCAA Division III National Tournament.

In a tense, defensive first half, both teams traded chances. The Cougars struck the post, while a potential opener for the Lakers was waved off, keeping the match scoreless at the break.

Following the match, Robin Giesing (Essen, Germany/Gymnasium-Essen-Gymnasium) was named Region III Player of the Year, while Head Coach Joe Balls earned Region III Coach of the Year honors for a second-straight season. Giesing, Finn Atkinson (Warrington, England/Kings Leadership Academy), and Bautista Suarez (Salta, Argentina/Colegio Belgrano) were selected to the All-Region First Team, with Allan Matheus, Bernardo Reffiel Del Castel (Sergipe, Brazil/Pró-mundo), Nathan Salter (Warwick, England/Aylesford School), and Daniel Ojedayo (Ibadan, Nigeria/Opicc) earning All-Region Second Team recognition.

Daniel Ojedayo, Joshua Koobs (Leverkusen, Germany/Werner Heisenberg Gymnasium), Owen Schuessler (Canandaigua, N.Y./Canandaigua Academy), and Allan Matheus were named to the Region III All-Tournament Team, with Matheus being honored as the Region III Tournament MVP.

With the victory, Finger Lakes improved to 17–1–1 (6–0), setting a new program record for wins in a season (17 and counting) and tying the program record for shutouts (13).

Up Next:

The Lakers advance to the NJCAA Division III National Tournament hosted by Herkimer County Community College, beginning Wednesday, November 12th. Seeding and matchups will be announced after the remaining regional championships across the nation conclude.