USCA: Cayuga Men’s Soccer Coaches Best In East
The United Soccer Coaches Association has recognized the coaches of Cayuga Community College's 2018 Region III, Division B Champion Men's Soccer Team as the best in the East Region.
Coach Chris Davison and assistant coaches Vasile Ilcu and Joseph Davison led Cayuga to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III National Semifinals and finished the season ranked 4thnationally, tied for the top finish in program history. Coach Davison, a two-time All-American and the College's all-time leader in goals scored and assists, was in only his first season as head coach.
This recognition marks the first time Cayuga has received the USCA Junior College Men's Regional Staff of the Year award.
"I really didn't expect that we would win this award. Many teams and coaches had great seasons across the region, so it's an honor for our coaches and the Cayuga program to be singled out," said Davison. "Our success this season is a credit to the hard work of our players and our coaching staff, so I appreciate the United Soccer Coaches Association recognizing our dedication."
Cayuga Athletic Director Pete Liddell praised Davison and the team's assistant coaches for their work with the players and guiding the team to the national semifinals.
"Chris and his coaching staff truly deserve this recognition. Each day they worked hard to prepare the team, and their dedication and leadership were key ingredients in our team's success. Congratulations to Chris, Vasile and Joseph for earning this award," said Liddell.
The 2018 Spartans finished the season with a 14-3-1 record and were undefeated in conference play, surrendering only one goal against Mid-State Athletic Conference opponents.
The team entered the postseason as the third seed in the Region III, Division B Tournament, and defeated Finger Lakes Community College in the semifinals before topping perennial regional power Herkimer in the championship.
The Spartans defeated Camden County on penalty kicks in the national quarterfinals before falling 1-0 to eventual national runner-up Nassau Community College.
Cayuga's coaching staff will formally receive the award at a Jan. 10 ceremony in Chicago.