ROCHESTER, N.Y. – During summer training camp, Roberts Wesleyan College men's soccer coach Scott Reber said his team's first five matches would give him a good indication of where the Redhawks stood entering East Coast Conference play.
The answer after Tuesday's 3-2 loss to Seton Hill University at Roberts Stadium? Looking for more.
"I know there is more in the tank," Reber said after the Redhawks fell to 2-3 after playing for the fifth time in 13 days. "We just have to step up and start producing."
Senior forward Dylan Ruiz continued his hot start, scoring both goals for Roberts and bringing his season total to seven.
Ruiz's first goal came after he ran on to a free kick by sophomore Tamas Nagy to even the game at 1 with 4:29 remaining in the first half.
Seton Hill then responded with two goals in the final four minutes, including AJ Koma's strike with 4 seconds remaining in the half to put the Redhawks on their heels. Ruiz scored on a penalty kick at the 76:21 mark. Roberts put pressure on Seton Hill late but was unable to generate the equalizer down the stretch.
"It was a little too little, a little too late," Reber said. "We kind of dug ourselves a hole and couldn't get out of it."
Junior Jared Gibbons made four saves for Roberts.
The Redhawks open ECC play at noon Saturday against Molloy and Reber will be looking for an effort similar to the season opener, a 3-0 win at Malone University on Sept. 2.
"When we're on, we can be brilliant," Reber said. "Right now, I kind of feel like we are beating ourselves and we just have to step up and perform better."