Rochester, NY - A second half comeback attempt came up short for the Roberts Wesleyan men's soccer team as they opened up conference play against Saint Thomas Aquinas, losing 3-2.
Saint Thomas Aquinas netted three first half goals to put the Redhawks down early. Sophmore midfielder Luis Morales had two of those goals, capitalizing on corner kick opportunities. Assisting both of those goals was Tylor Saraiva. The Spartans added the third goal in the 36
th minute when Charlie Crane collected a rebounded shot and fired it into the back of the net.
The Redhawks came out in the second half with an attacking mindset as they were able to draw the score to 3-1 in the 48
th minute.
Matt VanDuzee played a long ball to
Sam Moody where it was chipped up and over the charging Spartan goalkeeper.
Ten minutes later senior
Malcolm Shaw brought the score to within one. The Pickering, Ontario native kept possession of the ball in the midst of heavy traffic in the six yard box and slotted in past the keeper.
Roberts Wesleyan kept attacking, getting off eight shots in the half but it was too little, too late coming back from a three goal deficit.
"When you spot a team three first half goals, it's going to be difficult to overcome," head coach
Scott Reber said. "We made some changes in the lineup at half and the guys came out with some energy, but we need to have that energy to start the game."
It was the first East Coast Conference matchup for both teams and the game saw eight yellow cards issued, including five to the Spartans and three to the Redhawks.
Roberts Wesleyan will continue ECC action on Sunday when they host Mercy College at 2:30 p.m.
