BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - - The Wilmington University women's soccer team struck first against the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference leading Bridgeport Purple Knights, but two second half goals sank the Wildcats, 2-1, on Saturday afternoon on Knights Field.

It is the eighth game in which the Wildcats scored first in the game, but the Wildcats fell to 2-7-4 overall and 1-4-3 in the CACC.

On Saturday, The Wildcats didn't register a shot until the 32^nd minute, but it was a shot that found the back of the net. Gabbi Corchiani flung a corner to the back post, finding Samantha Emmi who was all alone for the one-time redirection. The Wildcats led, 1-0, 31:53 into the match with Emmi's fifth goal of the season.

It was the only shot of the half for the Wildcats, but they went into the halftime break leading, 1-0. The Purple Knights led in shots, 7-1.

The Wildcats came out fast to start the second half with a nice build-up on the right side. Anatasia Diakos fired one from inside the box, but it hit the side netting and kept the score, 1-0, in the first minute.

It was the Purple Knights' turn after that, as they put up the next 10 shots of the game. Their third shot of the half produced the first goal for the home team, as Leigh-Ann Ramsay beat Mio Nakajima to a well-placed free kick inside the box, heading it home in the 56^th minute to tie the score.

Bridgeport took the lead in the 73^rd minute, scoring on a tap-in rebound off another free-kick. Mio Nakajima made the initial save on the long free kick by Vivien Ruettgers, but her diving effort allowed the ball to drop right in front of the goal and Kat Thill was there to score her 10^th goal of the year.

Gabbi Corchiani got the next shot of the half off for the Wildcats in the 81^st minute, but her attempt was saved by Clara Karlsson. She would have another attempt in the 87^th minute, but Karlsson was there again to keep Bridgeport in front.

The Purple Knights led in shots, 18-4, including shots on goal, 8-3. Mio Nakajima made six saves for the Wildcats.

The Wildcats step outside the CACC for the final time this season with their next game, as they host St. Thomas Aquinas on Tuesday. The opening whistle is set for 3:30 p.m. at the WU Athletics Complex.