One team is looking to reach the state quarterfinals for the fourth time in program history and first since 2018 while other trying to advance to the final eight for a third time and first since 2010. Livingston County Athletic Association meets the Wayne County league when Geneseo and East Rochester square off with a spot in regionals on the line. Here’s the breakdown:
EAST ROCHESTER BOMBERS
(17-1-0/ Wayne County)
vs.
GENESEO BLUE DEVILS
(18-1-1/Livingston County Athletic Association Division III)
How they arrived here: After receiving a first-round bye top-seeded East Rochester (No. 1 NYSSWA) started its playoff push with a shutout against No. 8 Lyndonville/Barker 1-0. In the semifinals East Rochester had another shutout and got revenge on No. 4 Williamson after losing to them in the final last year. The Bombers knocked off previously undefeated Byron-Bergen/Elba, 3-0 to take the Section V Class C1 championship. After receiving a first-round bye Geneseo (No. 9 NYSWWA) defeated No. 9 Kendall, 2-1, No. 4 Dundee/Hammondsport 4-0 and No. 2 Naples, 2-1 to reach Tuesday’s state qualifier.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM STEVEN TWARDZIK.
Total goals scored: East Rochester (40), Geneseo (62)
Total goals allowed: East Rochester (10), Geneseo (11)
Trends: East Rochester enters play with a 10-game win streak, seven of which were shutouts. The Bombers started their season on a seven-game win streak and didn’t allow a goal for their first three matches. ER has not allowed more than two goals in a game all season. The Bombers have netted three or more goals eight times on the year. Geneseo is coming into the final, winning 12 of its last 13 games. During that span, the Blue Devils have six shutouts. Geneseo started the year winning five straight and outscored their opponents 16-2 during that time. Over the course of the season, Geneseo has nine shutouts. The Blue Devils have 11 games where they have scored three or more goals this season. The Blue Devils have also not allowed more than two goals in a game all season.
Players to watch for East Rochester: Eliot Marino Sr. CB (3 G, 14 A); Sean Lewis Sr. M (10 G, 6 A); Tristan Wollschleger Jr. M (5 G, 8 A); Xander Boldt Sr. F (10 G, 2 A); Alex Eaton Sr. F (4 G); Thomas Sowinski Jr. GK (11 SO); Joe Rountree Jr. F (6 G)
Players to watch for Geneseo: Sam DiLaura Fr. F (12 G, 18 A); Ayaan Sheikh Jr. F (15 G, 11 A); Riley Ferguson Sr. D; Markus Schiener Jr. GK (12 GA, 9 SO); Benton Maloney Jr. M (5 G, 3 A); Jack DiLaura Jr. M (7 G, 9 A); Evan Sorge Jr. M (11 G, 2 A); Gavin Gerace Jr. F (7 G, 3 A)
Coaches: Matt LaFontaine (East Rochester), Chris Masters (Geneseo)
History 101: East Rochester last reached the state quarterfinals in 2010. The Bombers are looking to make their third trip to the final eight of the state in program history. Geneseo has made three regional appearances with the last being in 2018.
What’s at stake: The winner advances to play Section VI champion, Ellicottville-Franklinville (16-2-1) in the state quarterfinal.
Kickoff is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3rd at 6:30 p.m. at Honeoye Falls-Lima High School.
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