Men's Soccer Rises to #3 National Ranking After Back-to-Back Wins

PITTSFORD, N.Y. - Finger Lakes continued its strong start to the 2025 season with a pair of convincing wins, defeating Nazareth University JV 7–1 on Sunday, September 14, and St. John Fisher University JV 4–0 on Monday, September 15. The victories propelled the Lakers to an 8–1 overall record and secured the program's highest national ranking ever, at #3 in the NJCAA Division III poll.

The offense was once again on display in the win over Nazareth JV. Robin Giesing (Essen, Germany/Gymnasium-Essen-Werden) recorded a hat trick to pace the attack, while Daniel Ojedayo (Ibadan, Nigeria/Opicc), Finn Atkinson (Warrington, England/Kings Leadership Academy Warrington), Germán Guzzi (Buenos Aires, Argentina/Imei), and Allan Matheus (Sergipe, Brazil/Americano Batista) also found the scoresheet. Guzzi added two assists, while Atkinson, Nathan Salter (Warwick, England/Aylesford School), Lennart Schaefer (Dortmund, Germany/Max-Planck-Gymnasium), and Bautista Suarez (Salta, Argentina/Colegio Belgrano) each tallied one helper.

The following day, Finger Lakes showcased its depth again in a 4–0 shutout of Fisher JV. Ojedayo scored twice, with Joe Clompus (London, England/Coombe Wood School) and Atkinson also netting goals. Assists came from Matheus, Matt Sanderson (Harrogate, England/Harrogate Grammar School), Giesing, and Suarez, as the Lakers posted their fifth clean sheet of the year.

The only blemish on Finger Lakes' record came earlier in the season, a 3–1 loss to NJCAA Division I Monroe Community College. Against Division III competition, the Lakers have been dominant, outscoring opponents 62–5 through nine matches.

The team's early success has been fueled by standout individual performances that have drawn national attention. Sophomore forward Robin Giesing leads the country in goals (15) and points (33), with sophomore Daniel Ojedayo second in both categories (11 goals, 23 points). Freshman Finn Atkinson tops the NJCAA Division III leaderboard in assists (8), while sophomore Bernardo Reffiel Del Castel is third (7) and freshman Germán Guzzi sits fourth (6). Four of the top five spots nationally in points are held by Lakers: Giesing (1st, 33), Ojedayo (2nd, 23), Atkinson (4th, 18), and Guzzi (5th, 18).

As a team, Finger Lakes ranks first in the nation in goals scored (62), shots (180), shots per game (20), shots on goal (122), assists (44), penalty kicks (7-10), shutouts (5), and game attendance (463).

Looking Ahead:
The #3 Lakers (8–1) return to Region III play tomorrow, September 17th, at 6:30 PM for a conference match on the road at SUNY Jefferson.