Lakers Fall to Camden in National Tournament Opener, Set for Consolation Match

BATAVIA, N.Y. - The Finger Lakes Community College men's soccer team began its historic run in the NJCAA DIII National Tournament with a challenging 3-1 loss to Camden County College, sending the Lakers into the consolation bracket for their next game. The game marked a historic feat for Lakers men's soccer, which made its tournament debut as a program. A fast start for Camden County would put the Lakers under pressure early.

Camden took an immediate lead, scoring just 14 seconds into the match with an unassisted goal by Rens Verleer. Despite this setback, the Lakers' defense tightened up, weathering Camden's offense and keeping the score close in the first half. Aiden Nelson (Fairport, N.Y./Fairport) stood strong in goal, while defenders Bernardo Reffiel Del Castel (Sergipe, Brazil/Pro-Mundo), Oriol Guzman (Barcelona, Spain/Institut Marti Pous), and Owen Schuessler (Canandaigua, N.Y./Canandaigua Academy) helped contain Camden's attacks to maintain a one-goal difference.

The Lakers came out with renewed intensity in the second half, determined to bring the game one all. Their persistence paid off when Ben Domann (Wuppertal, Germany/Gesamtschule Barmen) leveled the score at 47', capitalizing on an assist from Joao Antonio Rocha (Sergipe, Brazil/Colegio Master). The goal brought energy back to the Lakers sideline as they pushed to take the lead. Domann would leave the match with a team-high three shots on goal.

However, Camden responded in the 66' as Rens Verleer struck again, this time assisted by Marius Schottler, restoring Camden's lead. In the final minutes, Camden capitalized on a late opportunity with a third goal by Marius Schottler, assisted by Felipe Falivene, sealing the game at 3-1.

In a well-fought effort, the Lakers recorded 20 shots, with Carlos Aguiar (Sergipe, Brazil/Colegio Amadeus), Joao Antonio Rocha, and Robin Giesing (Essen, Germany/Gymnasium-Essen-Werden) each contributing to the offensive push. The result sends the Lakers to the consolation bracket, where they'll face off against Raritan Valley Community College tomorrow, November 14th, at 11 AM.