Rivera, Buffalo State’s men's soccer poised for another postseason run
Senior forward Diego Rivera has been a centerpiece of the Buffalo State men’s soccer team over his three seasons with the program. Rivera, who leads the nation in goals (22) and points (52), is closing in on single-season program records in those categories.
Rivera and his Bengals teammates are in prime position to make another run in the SUNYAC playoffs. Entering the final stretch of the regular season, the Bengals remain unbeaten in SUNYAC play and are 11-1-3 overall on the season.
“Over the past few years, our team has built a culture truly special, rooted in trust, commitment and a genuine environment of belonging,” head coach Francesco Cardillo said. “The bond among our players has been the foundation of our success, both on and off the field.”
The team has been a model of consistency since Cardillo, a former Bengals player, took over the program in 2018. The Bengals have reached the postseason in all but one season, including three trips to the SUNYAC semifinals and one to the SUNYAC championship a year ago. In 2024, Cardillo earned SUNYAC and United Soccer Coaches Region III Coach of the Year honors.
Last season featured one of the best seasons in program history as Buffalo State earned an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament and embarked on a magical run into the Sweet 16, matching the deepest any Buffalo State program has gone in the tournament.
This season, Buffalo State is second in the SUNYAC with a 4-0-3 conference mark. The Bengals have three regular-season games remaining, beginning with a 4 p.m. game Wednesday at Oswego State.
The Bengals, seeking their first conference championship in men’s soccer since 1970, have allowed only four goals over the last nine games. Junior goalkeeper Carson Smith, who majors in Economics, has seven shutouts this season.
“Every achievement we’ve had comes down to their hard work, dedication, and the way they’ve supported one another through every challenge,” Cardillo said.
Rivera, the nation’s leading goal scorer, came to the Bengals as a transfer from Division II Saint Rose following the 2022 season. He needs three goals and four points to become Buffalo State’s single-season leader in those categories.
Rivera, who majors in Childhood Education, has twice been named First Team All-SUNYAC, twice named United Soccer Coaches First Team All-Region, and was named the SUNYAC Offensive Player of the Year and United Soccer Coaches First Team All-America in 2024.
