CALDWELL, N.J. - - A second half comeback fell just short as the Wilmington University men's soccer team fell to Caldwell, 3-2, in a matchup between two regionally ranked teams on Friday afternoon at Kiwanis Circle.

Caldwell (9-3-1, 5-3-1 CACC), ranked No. 9 in this week's United Soccer Coaches East Regional Poll, scored twice in the first half on Friday. The Wildcats (6-5-3, 4-3-1 CACC), ranked No. 8 in this week's Regional Poll, cut the deficit to 2-1 and 3-2 in the second half, but couldn't get over the hump as the Cougars held on for the win.

Caldwell got the scoring started in the 15^th minute and then made it 2-0 with another goal in the 37^th minute. The Wildcats outshot the Cougars, 16-8, in the first half, including corners as well, 4-2.

Malthe Hannesbo scored his first of two goals on Friday in the 47^th minute, getting the Wildcats back into the contest early in the second half. But the Cougars answered back and regained a two-goal lead in the 65^th minute, as Ingebrigt Braenden scored his second of the game to make it 3-1.

Hannesbo scored from outside the 18-yard box in the 68^th minute for his second of the game, again bringing the Wildcats to within a goal, 3-2. The Wildcats had five corners and three shots in the final 12 minutes of the game, but the Cougars held tight to earn the victory.

The Wildcats outshot the Cougars, 26-17, including 10-9, in shots on goal. They also had nine corners in the game. Charlie Phillips made six saves in his first loss on the season.

The Wildcats final regular season home game is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon when they welcome Georgian Court to Newark for a 3:30 p.m. start.