ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Needing a victory to extend its season, the Roberts Wesleyan College men's soccer team came through with winning plays when they were needed most.
Ryan Curtis scored the only goal of the match with 7:46 remaining in the second half and goalkeeper Jared Gibbons made two spectacular saves in the final 75 seconds as the Redhawks defeated the University of the District of Columbia 1-0 on Saturday.
The victory was not enough to earn Roberts (7-6-3, 4-2-3 East Coast Conference) a spot in the ECC Tournament, but it did make the Redhawks eligible to participate in the upcoming National Christian College Athletic Association Tournament.
"Our backs were against the wall and the guys came to play," Roberts coach Scott Reber said.
After more than 80 minutes of scoreless soccer, Roberts broke through. Tamas Nagy played a ball on the wing that Dylan Ruiz won at the top of the box. Ruiz redirected a pass to Curtis, who finished for his third foal of the season.
"I knew that Dylan was going to win it in the air and flick it to me," Curtis said. "I needed to get to the ball. Once I did, I was able to put a foot on it and flick it in."
"He has been a good player for us and he can play anywhere in the park," Reber said of Curtis. "He can play in back, up top or in the middle and I told him before the game to be ready because I might play him anywhere."
UDC, which had not lost a conference game prior to Saturday, turned up the pressure in the final moments. The Firebirds broke in on Gibbons late, but the junior goalkeeper made two huge saves to keep the game even with about 1:15 left.
"I tried to go out and close the angle and it was just pure reaction to get my leg out and stop it," Gibbons said. "Then, I knew that I had to get back because they had a guy lining up a second shot and I was able to get up and knock it away."
Roberts was able to run out the clock from there. Gibbons made six saves while notching his fourth shutout of the season.
"Collectively, I think that this team is in a good head space and this win proves it," Gibbons said.
Before the game Roberts honored its four graduating seniors: Ethan Leonard, Johanz Tusiime, Jordan Sullivan and Jeremiah Ochepo.
"The seniors live to fight another day," Reber said.
Details on the NCCAA Tournament will be announced at a later date.