The Mohawk Valley Men's Soccer team saw their season come to an end on Sunday afternoon after losing to Genesee Community College in the NJCAA Region III Championship game. "I feel like we created the better opportunities and played great soccer today." stated DiMaggio. "We had some bounces and calls go the other way today and it was the difference maker. I'm proud of the way that we battled and the effort we put forth. Genesee did a great job finishing their opportunities while we left many of our chances on the field. In big games, that'll come back to haunt you."
The Hawks had the first opportunity of the game just two minutes in when Abdi Osman played a ball into Cheikh Abdoullah NIasse who put the shot just wide of the post. Genesee's first opportunity came off a set piece in the 38th minute that rebounded off of Hawks goalkeeper Tucker Garrett and Hiago Barros de Souz was there for the finish. The score would remain 1-0 heading into halftime. Just a minute into the second half, Romaine Watkis would find Kevin Griffith for what seemed to be a tap in but was hit by GCC defender from behind but there was no call given. GCC would counter attack from the no call and Ed Port would find Vitor Chriguer de Go to put the Cougars up 2-0. "That was tough and a major turning point in the game." stated DiMaggio. "We were sure it was going to be a penalty kick but instead they transition and score on us 20 seconds later, it was a game changing no-call". The Hawks continued to create opportunities but were unable to capitalize. In the 73rd minute Hiago Barros de Souz would find his second and later would find his third tally of the game after Morris Campbell was given a red card. Tucker Garrett would finish the game with 5 saves and his counterpart Adrian Bergman recorded 3 saves in the shutout. Romaine Watkis, Houssam Serhan, and Tucker Garrett were all named to the NJCAA Region III All-Tournament team.
GCC punches their ticket the Nationals which is the final 8 teams who will battle it out to see who is crowned NJCAA National Champions. The Hawks finish their season 18-3 while Genesee improves to 17-3 on the season.