SUNY Geneseo Claims 2026 Empire 8 Men's Soccer Regular Season Title With 3-1 Win Over St. John Fisher

Defending champion Knights will be the No. 1 seed in the E8 Tournament for the second straight season; tourney begins Oct. 31

SUNY Geneseo Athletic Communications

Men's Soccer | 10/24/2026 8:39:00 PM

GENESEO, NY - The SUNY Geneseo men's soccer team secured its second straight Empire 8 regular-season title and the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament with a 3-1 victory over St. John Fisher University on Saturday afternoon. The Knights extended their win streak to seven games, finishing the regular season with a 9-2 conference record and a 12-4-1 overall mark.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

  • Jace DiPalo opened the scoring for the Knights just eight minutes into the first half, pouncing on a rebound off a save and drilling it past the keeper to give Geneseo an early lead.

  • The Knights doubled their advantage late in the half after Evan Zavalo drew a foul in the box to earn a penalty kick. Kyle Arraiano stepped up and converted from the spot, sending Geneseo into halftime with a 2-0 lead.

  • Geneseo struck again in the 54th minute when Dwight Valladares headed a corner kick toward goal, where Alex Grejda redirected it into the net at the far post to extend the Knights' lead to three.

  • The Cardinals found the back of the net in the closing minutes to cut into the deficit, but the Knights held firm to secure the 3-1 victory and clinch the regular-season crown.

QUICK FACTS:

  • Alex Grejda scored his first collegiate goal with his second-half finish.

  • Max Crothall earned his 12th win of the season, making five saves in net.

  • The Knights captured their second consecutive Empire 8 regular-season championship.

WHAT'S NEXT:

The No. 1-seeded Knights will host No. 8 Houghton in an Empire 8 quarterfinal matchup on Saturday, October 31. More information to come.