ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Roberts Wesleyan College men's soccer coach Scott Reber had a simple message for his team following Thursday's season opener at Redhawks Stadium.
"Remember the lessons, but forget the game," Reber said moments after a 2-1 non-conference loss to the University of Findlay at Redhawks Stadium.
Things looked good for the Redhawks early as junior Justin Robertson gathered a long pass from senior Dylan Ruiz and broke in alone to and delighted the home crowd by giving Roberts an early 1-0 lead with 36:44 to play in the first half.
"We had good timing and made the connection and I was 1v1 with the goalie," Robertson said. "I saw the far side was open and put it off the post and in."
While Roberts had the early momentum, Findlay regrouped and evened the score when David Hug fed Zach Lauron at 17:57. Hug delivered the winner with a header off a restart with 3:27 to play in the half.
Roberts generated some quality chances in the second half, but was unable to generate the equalizer.
"Division II is no joke, there are no 'gimmes,'" Reber said. "You need to be dialed in for a full 90 minutes because when you check out, you get punished."
Senior Jared Gibbons made six saves in goal, including some point-blank stops that prevented Findlay from adding to its total.
"It is disappointing to finish the first game with a loss," Gibbons said. "We play three games in five days next week which will be the biggest test that we've had in a while. As difficult as this is, we would rather learn these lessons now than make these mistakes later in the season."
The Redhawks return to action at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at Saint Michael's College.