WILMINGTON, N.C. –  The Lafayette College men's soccer team fell to UNCW in the first-ever matchup between the two schools on Thursday in Wilmington. 
 
The Leopards were led by senior Will Echeverria and freshman Jack Borden who each recorded a shot on goal. Senior Marcos Kitromilides and juniors Yiannis Panayides and Benji Grossi each recorded a shot and senior goalkeeper Alex Sutton totaled three saves in the net.
 
The game proved to be a defensive battle from the start. Neither side was able to get through the opposing side's defense until the 39th minute, when Seahawks (1-0, 0-0 CAA) drew a penalty kick and found the back of the net to put themselves up by one.
 
Lafayette (0-1, 0-0 PL) was the first team to record a shot, when Grossi fired the ball at the Seahawks goalkeeper in the 41^st minute.
 
The Seahawks lone goal in the first half proved to be the deciding factor as neither side could find the back of the net in the second half, giving UNCW the 1-0 season opening victory.
 
Three freshmen made their collegiate debut on Thursday afternoon as Borden, Lawrence Aydlett and Eoin Martin all saw action in the Leopards season opener.
 
The Leopards are back in action on Monday, Aug. 30 as they are set to welcome Drexel to Oaks for their home opener at 7 p.m.