NYSPHSAA BOYS' SOCCER: ELMIRA FALLS TO NATIONALLY-RANKED BALDWINSVILLE IN REGIONAL FINAL (24 PHOTOS) (November 7, 2026)

Southern Tier Sports Report
CHENANGO VALLEY — Facing an unbeaten, nationally ranked team, the Elmira Express boys’ soccer team saw their season come to an end with a 4-0 loss on Saturday.

“Really good team, no shame in that loss at al,” Elmira coach Derek Hamilton said. “They are undefeated for a reason. They have given up four goals in 19 games for a reason. Really good side. Have to be the state champion favorites right now.

“But, as far as our boys we put a great effort in today, great effort all season. If you had said we were going to lose nine seniors and win the section championship I don’t think many people would have given us much chance of that.”

Baldwinsville, ranked first in the state and third in the nation have outscored their opponents 78-5 through this point on the year. 

It was just 1-0 at the half as the Elmira defense was up to the task of keeping things close. Carter Mooney had the first-half goal by Baldwinsville. 

As the game went on the pressure that Baldwinsville puts on made things tough on the Express.

“We knew we were going to have to play a great defensive match to keep that match close,” Hamilton said. “To be fair I think we made a couple mistakes we don’t usually make tonight and that led to some goals. 

“But, with that being said, Baldwinsville wears you down. They get a ton of possession, and a ton of opportunities and it’s hard to constantly defend all those opportunities.”

It’s tough for Hamilton to say goodbye to another strong group of seniors.

“The last few years has just been tough,” Hamilton said. “12 seniors is tough to lose. A lot of these guys I’ve known since they were seven or eight years old, coming through not just our program, but Soaring Capital and building the bond with them. 

“Just seeing the look on the kids faces and knowing the emotional trauma of knowing eventually, whether you win the last game or lose the last game your season comes to an end. So kudos to them for the work they put in throughout the season and their careers.” 

In the second half Baldwinsville got a goal from Colin Hagadorn at 30:20, from Braeden Harris at 23:29 and on a header by Keegan Maher with 2:03 left in the game. 

For the returning players this game is something they can learn and build from.

“We talked about that right there, once the season ends you kind of shift your focus to next season,” Hamilton said. “That’s not a discredit to any of the 12 seniors we have, you are always looking to the next season. We return 12 of the 24 kids that are here today and hopefully we can make that push to sectionals next year as well.”
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PHOTOS BY BRIAN FEES

PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE GAME:

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