Mechanicville boys soccer celebrates 100-game unbeaten streak in league play

MECHANICVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Going nine years without losing a league game is a level of dominance that's tough to imagine, but that's how good the Mechanicville boys soccer program has been.

With an 8-1 win over Saratoga Central Catholic Friday night, Mechanicville extended its unbeaten Wasaren League streak to 100 straight games. The Red Raiders haven't dropped a league match since Oct. 3, 2016, and went 98-0-2 over that 100-game stretch.

Carrying the torch for some of the great teams that have recently come through Mechanicville and getting the streak to the century mark was an accomplishment this year's group of seniors takes tremendous pride in.

"It hit me deep," said senior captain Alex Shakow. "It shows the work, the effort and I'm proud of the boys with all the success we've had."

Prior to Monday night's home contest with Hoosic Valley, a ceremony was held honoring the seniors of each Mechanicville team from 2016-2025 that contributed to the streak.

As much success as the Red Raiders have garnered the past nine seasons - eight Wasaren League championships and three section titles - it's put a target on their backs, according to Mechanicville head coach Mike Ciulla.

That's something he believes his players have embraced, though.

"It's no [secret] that we have this streak going," said Ciulla. "Teams want to come in, they want to beat us; they want to knock us off. It's a lot of motivation for these guys."

Mechanicville has withstood the best shots from its league foes 100 consecutive times; 101 after Monday's 2-0 win over Hoosic Valley. It's a number that Ciulla can only marvel at, as he's watched it grow from the streak's inception.

"It's all merged together year after year after year," said Ciulla. "You get to 50 in a row. And then you get 60 in a row, and you know you've got 100 ahead of you; it's something that you really push for."

The 2025 Red Raiders were responsible for making the final push to the century mark, entering the season five games away. And they certainly felt the weight of what was at stake.

"Losing 10 starters [from last year], it was a lot of pressure," said Shakow. "I'm proud of the young [players] that came up. We fought, we won all our Wasaren League games and hopefully we keep it going to the end of the season."

It won't be easy for this squad to maintain the streak throughout the remainder of the regular season. Greenwich and Waterford-Halfmoon also currently boast 6-0 league marks, and Mechanicville will have to play both those teams on the road; Oct. 7 against the Witches and Oct. 16 against the Fordians for the regular season finale.

Monday's match with Hoosic Valley was the Red Raiders' final league tune-up before their date with Greenwich. Junior Graham Murphy and senior David DiSiena both recorded goals in the victory.

Mechanicville (9-2-1, 6-0) returns to action Saturday for a non-league clash with Voorheesville set for 4:30 p.m.