ROCHESTER, N.Y. – With three games left in the regular season the Roberts Wesleyan men's soccer team sits atop the standings in the East Coast Conference after a 5-1 win over i90 rival Daemen on Saturday evening. The win also helped Roberts clinch a spot in conference post season play for the first time in program history.
 
The Redhawks improved to 8-5-1 overall and 5-1 in the ECC following the conclusion of Saturday's game. And with a win by Bridgeport over Mercy today in other action around conference play, the Redhawks jump into sole possession of first place.
 
Sophomore forward Dylan Ruiz had his second hat trick game of the season with two goals coming in the first half and one in the second.
 
Despite the lopsided game it was Daemen who opened the scoring up with a goal in the 12th minute by Christian Lewin giving the Wildcats an early 1-0 lead. But that was the only hope Daemen held as the Redhawks dominated the remainder of the game.
 
Senior Jaheed Loblack netted his first goal of the season and tied the game up at 1-1 in the 18th minute off the feed from Alex Perez Vega. Then it was Ruiz for the next three goals coming at the 27th, 35th and 80th minute marks. Senior Terrell Spencer had assists on the first two goals and sophomore Ethan Leonard had the assist on Ruiz's third goal.
 
Marc-Anthony Blackburn added a fifth goal for Roberts in the 86th minute converting on a penalty kick.
 
The Redhawks outshot Daemen 24 to 4 with 10 of those shots on target. Ruiz had eight total shots to lead Roberts. The sophomore now has 15 goals this season which ranks him in the top three scorers in the country.
 
Roberts will be back at home on Wednesday at 6 p.m. when they host Chestnut Hill College. They will then head on the road for the final two games of the season against Mercy and Bridgeport. With a playoff spot already clinched the Redhawks control their own destiny in keeping the top seed with the next two games coming against the No.2 and No.3 team in the ECC. The top two teams in the standings get the opportunity to host a first round playoff game.