Men's Soccer Set for National Quarterfinal Clash with Suffolk County
CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. – Following their second consecutive NJCAA Region III Championship, the Finger Lakes Community College men's soccer team is set to open play at the NJCAA Division III National Tournament this Wednesday, November 12th, against Suffolk County Community College. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 PM at Herkimer County Community College.
The Lakers enter the national quarterfinals riding a 14-match unbeaten streak with a 17-1-1 record, having allowed just 8 goals in 19 matches this season. Their defensive consistency has been matched by their offensive dominance, posting 13 shutouts and leading the nation in nearly every major statistical category.
Finger Lakes ranks first in goals scored (103), assists (73), penalty kicks (7-for-10), shutouts (13), and attendance, while holding opponents to an average of 0.42 goals per match.
Sophomore Robin Giesing (Essen, Germany/Gymnasium-Essen-Werden) enters the tournament as the NJCAA Division III leader in both goals (28) and points (63). Finn Atkinson (Warrington, England/Kings Leadership Academy Warrington) ranks 4th nationally in assists (12), and goalkeeper Joshua Koobs (Leverkusen, Germany/Werner Heisenberg Gymnasium) leads the nation in goals-against average (0.42) and fewest goals allowed (4 in 10 starts).
The Suffolk Sharks (12-4-2) arrive after capturing the Region XV/North Atlantic District Championship, defeating Ulster County Community College to avenge a 5–2 early-season loss. The Sharks feature a balanced offensive unit with Jazai Kidd (13 goals, 4 assists), Steven Vargas (12 goals, 6 assists), Carlos Alay (10 goals, 3 assists), and Nicholas Rojas (9 goals, 9 assists). Goalkeeper Benjamin Allen anchors Suffolk's defense with 84 saves in 17 starts.
Wednesday's quarterfinal marks the Lakers' second straight national tournament appearance. Fans can view the full tournament bracket here, watch the action live on the NJCAA Network, and follow live stats here.
Up Next:
The Lakers will look to advance to the NJCAA DIII Semifinal on Friday, November 14th at 4 PM against the winner of #1 Dallas College - Richland and #8 Joliet Junior College.