ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Roberts Wesleyan men's soccer team fell just short Thursday evening in their 2017 season opener as they lost to Lake Erie 3-2.
 
The Redhawks played from behind for the majority of the game after giving up the first goal in the 20^th minute to Lake Erie's Ezekiel Ebenezer. The attacker dribbled by Robert's starting goalkeeper John Ciavaglia and tucked the ball away in the back of the net.
 
Sophomore defender Elijah Jarvis had the answer in the 41^st minute when he moved forward on a free kick opportunity and deflected a well-played ball over the keeper's head to knot the score up at 1-1. The assist was credited to senior midfielder Logan Wood.
 
The Storm found the back of the net twice early on in the second half with goals in the 50^th minute and 56^th minute leaving the Redhawks in a 3-1 hole.
 
Roberts fought hard to get back within striking distance and closed within a goal of the lead in the 64^th minute when senior midfielder John Stewart buried a left-footed shot from 18 yards out off a feed from sophomore forward Barrington Smith.
 
The Redhawks created offensive chances in the final minutes of the game but Lake Erie held firm in the defensive end to walk away with the 3-2 victory.
 
Ciavaglia played all 90 minutes in goal and made nine saves in the loss. Wood led the Redhawks with three shots, including one on goal.
 
Next up for Roberts is a home matchup against Seton Hill University on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.