BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - - A second half goal was not enough for the Wilmington University men's soccer team in its 2012 season opener against LIU Post, falling 3-1 in the University of Bridgeport Classic's first game.

Wilmington (0-1-0) attempted the comeback with a goal in the 50th minute, but the 3-0 first half deficit was too much to overcome, as LIU Post (1-0-0) held on for the season opening win.

"Our second half was much better for us," ninth year head coach Nick Papanicolas said. "The energy on the field was much better after we came out of the half. LIU's counter attack was very solid in the first half and caught us off guard. Once we made the adjustments at the half, we handled that and the match much better. I'm proud of our effort."

The Pioneers jumped out to an early 1-0 as the Wildcats were trying to get their feet underneath of them in the fifth minute. After receiving a corner 4:25 into the contest, LIU Post crossed the ball into the box where Eivind Austboe beat Wilmington goalkeeper Chad Jenkins for the first goal of the game.

The Wildcats settled in over the next 20 minutes, firing off three shots, including a shot by on goal by Reafe Anderson to force the Pioneers goaltender to make a save. Wilmington was unable to capitalize, unfortunately, and LIU Post extended its lead in the 28th minute.

Following a save by Jenkins at the 26:28 mark, the Pioneers continued to pressure the backline and Austboe was able to slide one to the front of the goal mouth allowing Andreas Olson to make it 2-0 at the 27:25 mark of the first half.

After the second goal, the Wildcats outshot the Pioneers, 3-2, over the next 12 minutes, but it was another LIU Post attack that put the Wildcats in a deep hole. A long through ball by Austboe found the foot of Jonathon Watkin who beat Jenkins to make it 3-0 with less than four minutes remaining in the first half.

The second half was a different story for the Wildcats, as they were the ones who came storming out of the gates. Pedro Moreira got the Wildcats on the board following a cross from Otis Williams 4:51 into the second half.

The Wildcats tried to cut into the deficit once more 10 minutes later as Lance Berry fired off two consecutive shots and Moreira shot one wide a minute later, keeping it at 3-1 at the 63:55 mark. Another three shot barrage was off the mark at the 79th meeting as Tom Quaranta's shot was wide, Anderson's shot was blocked and Berry pushed one wide.

The Pioneers were able to hold off the Wildcat attack for the rest of the second half, as Wilmington fell in the season opener.

LIU Post outshot the Wildcats, 24-13, and shots on goal, 12-3, for the contest. The Pioneers also earned more corner kicks for the game, 10-3.

Jenkins recorded nine saves in his first career game as a Wildcat while Marco Jorgensen made two stops for the Pioneers.

The Wildcats remain in Bridgeport for their next contest, as they round out the UB Classic with a match against the host Purple Knights on Saturday starting at 7:00 p.m.