Geneseo clinches fourth trip to the state quarterfinals in program history.
By PAUL GOTHAM
HONEOYE FALLS, N.Y. — Sam DiLaura and Ayaan Sheikh scored back-to-back goals in the less than three minutes of game time as Geneseo (18-1–1) came from behind to defeat East Rochester (17-2-0), 3-2 in the Section V Class C state qualifier, Tuesday evening from the James Dollard Athletic Field on the Honeoye Falls-Lima campus.
Trailing 1-0, DiLaura connected on the equalizer with 1:01 remaining in the first half. Less than two minutes into the second half, Sheikh gave the Blue Devils a lead they did not surrender.
“These guys have been resilient all season,” said Geneseo head coach Chris Masters. “That’s not the first time we’ve been down in a game. We’ve felt that before and they just, they just don’t quit. The offense that we’ve had all year has just been amazing. I thought in that second half, we completely outplayed them.”
Jack DiLaura made a rush from the left side of the field and was knocked off the ball inside the 18-yard box. Sam DiLaura followed the play and one-timed a shot into the back of the net.
The Blue Devils didn’t waste any time taking the lead after the second-half kickoff.
“To go down early then get that one before half and add one early in the second, we just couldn’t be happier,” Masters said.
Sheikh connected on a left-footed strike from 30 yards out to give Geneseo the lead. The junior mid cut back with his right and accelerated off a touch with his left to create space before letting go of the shot.
“The defender was giving me the middle, so I just cut in and ripped it,” he said. “Hoping for a good shot and it rolled in, got our guys going. Energy was high.”
The goal was his team-leading 16th of the season and came three days after he accounted for a goal and an assist in Geneseo’s 2-1 win over Naples in the Class C2 sectional championship.
“He’s just got that that knack for being around the ball and making big plays in big moments,” Masters said. “He’s got a great touch on the ball, and he knows what he can do.”
Gavin Gerace gave Geneseo a 3-1 advantage with 19:29 left in the game.
With the win, Geneseo clinched its fourth trip to the state quarterfinals in program history and first since 2018. This appearance comes with an added incentive as the Blue Devils will host regionals this year.
“This is a once in a lifetime,” Sheikh said. “Playing at home for a state quarter-final game is going to be amazing. Lots of family and friends are going to be there. It’s going to be loud.”
East Rochester’s Tristan Wollschleger opened the scoring in the match’s 20th minute with a blast from 35 yards out. Sean Lewis had an assist on the play.
Moments later, the Bombers worked for a free kick just outside the 18-yard box but couldn’t convert. Then Lewis unleashed a volley from inside the 18 that Geneseo keeper Markus Schiener turned away.
Schiener finished with four saves on the night.
“So proud of the kids,” said East Rochester head coach Matt LaFontaine. “Love what they did, love what we accomplished this season. They’re going hurt for a while, but that’s okay. Grief means you love something that you lost, and that’s where we’re at.”
Lewis, a senior, converted off a corner kick from classmate Eliot Marino with 14:01 left in the game. The goal cut the deficit to one at 3-2.
Geneseo will face Section VI champion, Ellicottville-Franklinville (16-2-1)
42’ Class c qualifier: Ayaan Sheikh gives Geneseo a 2-1 lead. https://t.co/9lizcPSQfS
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) November 4, 2026
61’ Class C qualifier: Gavin Gerace gives Geneseo a 3-1 lead. https://t.co/jJ6giu8zyS
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) November 4, 2026
Class C qualifier 20’: Banger from Tristan Wollschleger gives @ERBombers a 1-nil lead over Geneseo. https://t.co/I1CUfKS3NN
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) November 4, 2026
66’ Class C qualifier: Sean Lewis leaves his feet and nods in a corner from Eliot Marino to cut the deficit to 1. Geneseo 3 ER 2. https://t.co/9vs48iLx8Y
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) November 4, 2026
Class C state qualifier: With East Rochester leading 1-nil, Geneseo’s Markus Schiener denies Sean Lewis on this volley attempt. https://t.co/KeUv2QfaSc
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) November 4, 2026
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