Saint Mary-of-the-Woods men's soccer came up short 6-3 on Monday against visiting Siena Heights at the SMWC Soccer Field. 
The Pomeroys had a pair of freshmen, Marc Valderrama and Jaime Gayol, break through for their first collegiate goals and senior Taiwo Anifowose scored his first of the 2023 season. 
In the 30th minute, Gayol found the net to tie the score at 1-1 thanks to assists from Abraham Abdoul-Kadri and Marcus Massop. The goal was the first goal in the first half this season for the young Pomeroys (0-4-1).
The score remained tied going into the second half. 
Siena Heights took a 2-1 lead in the 59th minute, but SMWC answered quickly. Four minutes later, Valderrama scored on assists by Andre e Silva Guerra Heleno Gomes and Ezequiel Fernandez Carunchio. 
The visitors picked up two more goals before Anifiwose scored on an assist by Valderrama in the 81st minute. 
Co-Head Coach Brady Cole was pleased to see his team score a season-best three goals, but he's still looking to see a full 90-minute performance.
"We played well for 80 minutes but still need to find our 90-minute legs to finish the job. We are young and challenges will continue to arise," Cole said. "It's all about how we as a team respond in the face of adversity. We must now train for St. Francis and not worry aobut the past but focus on the present." 
SMWC returns to action Sept. 12 at Saint Francis.