WATERBURY, Conn. - - Theo Faillon picked up where he left off for the Wilmington University men's soccer team in a 1-1 tie with Adelphi in the 2025 season opener on Thursday night on LaMoy Field on the campus of Post University.
The reigning D2CCA East Region Player of the Year put the Wildcats (0-0-1) on top with a free kick goal in the first half, but Adelphi countered in the final stages to earn the tie.
Adelphi had a shot go off the inside of the post and stay out, outshooting the Wildcats, 9-3, in the first half. But the Wildcats only needed one of those shots to find the back of the net to take the halftime lead.
A foul just outside the box set up a free kick for Theo Faillon in the 31st minute. He was able to get the ball up and over the wall while also dipping it back down under the crossbar on the near side, freezing the goalkeeper and giving the Wildcats the 1-0 lead.
The Wildcats outshot the Panthers, 7-3, in the second half, forcing the Adelphi netminder to make five stops. But it was the Panthers that found the back of the net, ruining the season opener for the Wildcats. A corner in the 80th minute made its way to the back post where the Panthers headed it home.
Adelphi narrowly outshot the Wildcats, 12-10, but the game was even in shots on goal, 7-7, and corners, 4-4. Emil Lollike made six saves in his collegiate debut for the Wildcats.
The Wildcats return to LaMoy Field on Saturday to take on American International to close out the opening weekend. The Wildcats and Yellow Jackets begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.