October 9, 2024
Rocha Sets Record, Ojedayo Seals Win Over #10 Genesee
By Logan Weingartner
CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. - The Finger Lakes Community College men's soccer team captured a pivotal win over the Cougars of Genesee Community College, who are ranked #10 in the NJCAA DIII standings as of this past Monday. The Lakers hold a strong record of 11-3-3 with this victory, and they are continuing to build on their already strong resume as the season winds down and they prepare for playoffs.
History was made in the match, as Joao Antonio Rocha (Sergipe, Brazil/Colegio Master) is now the all-time career assist leader for the FLCC men's soccer program. Rocha knocked down the long-standing previous record of 27 assists, which was set by Eric Marsh in the 1996-1997 seasons. Furthermore, Rocha's mark sustains his position as the assist leader in all of NJCAA division III.
The scoring opened at the 33' mark, with Casper Jaartsveld of GCC striking it through off a feed from Kyrell Kavanagh. The Lakers would answer back quickly, though, as Carlos Aguiar (Sergipe, Brazil/Colegio Amadeus) netted the equalizer off of a corner kick from Joao Antonio Rocha. This assist came at 14', and it would be the very one that gave Rocha the record.
A slew of defensive stops headlined the second half, and both teams were prevented from finding offensive success. It wasn't until late in the period when the Lakers hit their stride, as Daniel Odejayo (Ibadan, Nigeria/Opicc) slipped one by at the 70' mark. The go-ahead goal, assisted by Robin Giesing (Essen, Germany/Gymnasium-Essen-Warden), was just the second of the season for Odejayo, and it was a memorable one as it turned out to be the game winner.
The Laker defense delivered a stout performance, shutting down anything that came their way. Keeper Aiden Nelson (Fairport, N.Y./Fairport) played the full 90' in net, and he put up an efficient performance, saving 5 of the 6 shots that came his way.
The Lakers will head into their next matchup as winners of 7 straight, and will look to increase that number to 8 when they take on Jamestown Community College on Saturday, October 12th at 1 PM.
