The Montgomery College Raptors men’s soccer team advanced to the 2025 NJCAA Division I National Tournament after defeating Monroe Community College (NY) 3–0 to win the Mid-Atlantic District Championship. With both regional and district titles secured, the Raptors will compete in Daytona Beach, Florida, beginning Sunday, November 16, against Blinn College of Texas.
Per Montgomery College: “The Montgomery College (MC) Raptors men’s soccer team will play on the national stage after capturing the 2025 NJCAA Mid-Atlantic District Championship with a commanding 3–0 road victory Sunday, Nov. 9 over Monroe Community College (NY). The win secures the Raptors’ place in the NJCAA Division I National Tournament, set for Nov. 16–22 in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Montgomery College entered the match riding the momentum of their Region 20 Championship win and carried that confidence straight into their district final. After a tightly contested first half, the Raptors broke through in the second period with a dynamic offensive surge and a lock-down defensive effort that sealed the shutout victory.
Second-Half Surge Breaks the Game Open
Midfielder Marcelo Martinez-Herrero put MC on the board in the 62nd minute, finishing a perfectly timed run off an assist from defender Jacob Escobar. The momentum continued in the 79th minute when forward Joshua Doffoh pounced on a loose ball and buried an unassisted strike to make it 2–0.
The Raptors put the match out of reach in the 87th minute as Ernesto Vides-Austin, fresh off the bench, scored unassisted to close out the 3–0 championship win.
Defense Delivers Championship-Level Performance
Goalkeeper Avery Langford earned the clean sheet, supported by a back line anchored by Miguel Graneda-Penalva, Ethan Goldstone, and Jacob Escobar. The midfield trio of Owen Laborde, Bente Bruns, and Kenjy Vertil-Dorelus controlled possession and tempo, neutralizing Monroe’s attack and setting the stage for MC’s dominant second half.
Next Stop: Daytona Beach
With both regional and district titles secured, the Raptors will now compete among the nation’s best at the 2025 NJCAA Division I National Tournament in Daytona Beach, Florida. MC will open play this Sunday, Nov. 16 at 8:30 a.m. against Blinn College out of Brenham, TX. The Buccaneers are one of four teams that received an at-large bid to the tournament.
