MVCC Men's Soccer Captures Third Straight North District Region III Championship
The Mohawk Valley Community College men's soccer team continued its dynasty run on Saturday afternoon, defeating #2-seeded Cayuga Community College 3–1 to claim its third consecutive North District Region III Championship.
The #3-seeded Hawks overcame an early deficit and controlled much of the match wearing down the opposition throughout the 90 minute contest. Cayuga struck first just four minutes into the contest when Matthew Twigg, assisted by Aidan Murney, put the Spartans ahead 1–0. However, the Hawks responded quickly and decisively. In the 24th minute, Souayibou Diop found the equalizer off a feed from Javier Montesinos Da Torre, leveling the score and shifting the momentum in Mohawk Valley's favor.
The Hawks carried that energy through the rest of the first half, taking the lead just before the break. In the 44th minute, Francesco Tagliavini converted a cross from Mario Camacho to give Mohawk Valley a 2–1 advantage. The Hawks continued to control the pace of play in the second half, creating numerous scoring chances before Camacho added a goal of his own in the 74th minute, assisted by Diego Bonfim, to seal the 3–1 victory.
Defensively, Mohawk Valley remained composed and organized, limiting Cayuga to just eight total shots. Goalkeeper Anderson Costa Filho anchored the back line, recording three saves on four shots on goal, while Cayuga's keeper Matthew Chitty turned aside five shots against 21 Mohawk Valley attempts.
The championship marks the third straight year that Mohawk Valley has captured the North District Region III title. The Hawks are the current defending NJCAA Division III National Champions, having claimed the national title in 2024 after finishing as national runners-up in 2023—both championship matches coming against Dallas College Richland.
With the victory, the Hawks advance to the NJCAA Division III Final 8, which will be hosted at Herkimer College from November 12–16. Mohawk Valley will look to defend its national crown and continue its remarkable run of postseason success as one of the most dominant programs in the country.
Several Hawks were recognized for their outstanding performances with selections to the All-Tournament Team. Francesco Tagliavini earned Most Valuable Player honors, while teammates Mario Camacho, Anderson Costa Filho, and Souayibou Diop were also named to the team.
The Hawks' latest championship not only reinforces their dynasty within Region III but also solidifies their status as a perennial national contender heading into another deep postseason run.