WHITTIER, Calif. — A similar theme was again the difference for the Occidental College men's soccer team in a 2-1 loss at Whittier College on Saturday.

It wasn't talent, skill or passing. It wasn't their first touch or a complicated concept that takes time to learn. The problem that hampered the Tigers against the Poets was one they have been plagued by in close losses all year. Toughness. 

"We're not tough enough yet," Lafaurie said. "Talented, we're fine there and we're doing things cosmetically okay, but at this time in the season results are important and to get those we're going to have to grind and get tougher."

The Tigers (2-7, 2-4) were unable to recover after two early second half goals from Adolfo Santos and Srdan Jovanovic, losing their second consecutive Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference match.

It was not until the last 20 minutes, that Oxy finally played with the urgency they need if they are going to be on the other side of one-goal games.

"I thought we picked it up towards the end as a team, we started out not necessarily flat, but just not with the urgency that we needed," said Will Moseley, who scored the Tigers only goal on a cross from Ben Murray.

Lafaurie said it is a mental and physical toughness that his young squad needs to adopt if they are going to take the step into the top tier of the league he thinks they can make.

"In tackles, physically, and mentally it's just a matter of keeping your focus and understanding that it's a 90 minute game," Lafaurie said. "It's a part of youth, but it's a part of a lack of toughness which is disappointing because we shouldn't have lost this game."

Late in the second half Zoe Johnson was red carded following a scuffle and, six minutes later, Jon Tillapaugh earned a yellow.

The Poets (4-5, 4-2) had 12 shots to Oxy's five.