Raptors Reign Supreme in Region 20 Once Again

Bel Air, MD — The Montgomery College Raptors men's soccer team once again claimed the NJCAA Region 20 Championship, defeating Harford Community College 1–0 in a tightly contested matchup on Harford's campus Saturday afternoon.

The lone goal came from Oscar Alvarado-Celis, who found the back of the net in the first half to give the Raptors the decisive edge. The win caps another dominant regional campaign for Head Coach Pedro Braz and his squad, as Montgomery continues its run of success in postseason play.

Game Recap:
From kickoff, Montgomery controlled possession and created several early chances. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Alvarado-Celis capitalized on a rebound to score the game's only goal. The Raptors' defensive unit, anchored by goalkeeper Avery Langford and defenders Owen Laborde, Mateo Muñoz, and Miguel Graneda-Peñalva, stood firm to preserve the clean sheet.

Midfielder Marcelo Martinez-Herrero was instrumental in the midfield, leading the team with five shots and keeping constant pressure on the Harford defense. Jet Ryen-Read and Kenjy Vertil-Dorelus added key attacking support off the bench, contributing to the Raptors' relentless offensive tempo.

The Raptors' balance and discipline shone through, highlighted by a composed defensive effort and a strong collective performance across the pitch.

Up Next:

With the Region 20 title secured, Montgomery now advances to the NJCAA East District Championship in Rochester, NY, where they will face the Monroe Community College Trojans. The winner earns a coveted berth in the 2025 NJCAA National Championship Tournament.