SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - - A quick response to falling behind pushed the Wilmington University men's soccer team to a 2-1 season-opening victory against Adelphi on Thursday night, played on the campus of American International and Ronald J Abdow Field.

The victory avenges a season-opening loss at the hands of the Panthers last year, as the Wildcats (1-0) will now play host American International on Saturday.

The Panthers struck first on Thursday, converting from the spot in the 24^th minute. The ball squirted through and was chased down by an Adelphi player. Bas Markus was just a half-step late as the Panther got a toe on the ball before being brought down at the ankles by Markus. Adelphi was awarded a penalty in which Pablo Herrera scored for the 1-0 lead.

But the Wildcats fought right back, tying the game in the 28^th minute. Working the ball out of their defensive third, the ball found the right side and Diego Ramirez. He played Malthe Hannesbo free down the middle and behind the last line and Hannesbo was able to get a toe on the ball underneath the charging keeper for the brace.

Just minutes later, Jeremie Briquet was fouled off a throw-in on the left side. Yohan Kim set up the piece and played a ball to the back post. The first run by Sebastian Agerschou froze the keeper and the ball found Tyrese Small on the back post, as he headed it home in the 31^st minute for the 2-1 lead.

The Wildcats controlled the pace in the second half, leading to a 7-3 advantage in shots, but none found the back of the net. The Wildcats outshot the Panthers, 13-9, in the game. Bas Markus made five saves for the victory.

Wilmington and the host Yellow Jackets will play on Saturday to complete the opening weekend of play. The opening whistle is set for 1:00 p.m.