NEWARK, Del. - - After going down early, the Wilmington University men's soccer team scored three quick goals and then hung on late to defeat St. Thomas Aquinas, 4-3, in the 2025 home opener on Saturday at the WU Athletics Complex.

The win extends the Wildcats' record to 3-0-1, the first time they have been unbeaten through the first four games since 2021. The loss drops St. Thomas Aquinas to 1-2-1 on the young season.

The Spartans got on the bored just 1:31 into the contest, as Kevon Evans finished off a through pass down the middle.

Alex Tarway set up the equalizer just a minute later, cutting inside from the right sideline. He feathered an inside pass to Michiharu Takanashi into the box and he beat the goalkeeper inside the near post for his first goal of the season just 2:34 into the contest.

Takanashi was at it again in the sixth minute, racing on to a through ball down the left side by Jacques Mason. Takanashi drew the goalkeeper out and slid it underneath of him, hitting the inside of the far post and scoring his second of the game in 5:46.

Alex Tarway forced a turnover on the backline in the 13^th minute, leading to another goal for the Wildcats. He poked the ball loose and then Michiharu Takanashi made a sliding pass that sprung Tarway free down the middle. He beat the goalkeeper low and to his right for his third goal of the season, giving the Wildcats a 3-1 lead just 12:54 into the contest.

The Spartans scored early in the second half again, putting the pressure back on the Wildcats in the one-goal game. But the Wildcats converted on an attempt in the 69^th minute, cashing in on a perfectly weighted ball from Tyrese Small. His pass over top of the back line allowed Jhamaleek Porter to run onto it and easily beat the goalkeeper one-on-one to the 4-2 lead.

St. Thomas Aquinas wouldn't go away though, scoring in the 80^th minute to make for a suspenseful final 10 minutes. The Spartans put a corner off the crossbar in the 82^nd minute and another shot from Kevon Evans that was wide right down the stretch.

The Wildcats outshot the Spartans, 21-14, in the game, including 13-8 in shots on goal. St. Thomas Aquinas held a 10-2 advantage in corner kicks.

The Wildcats begin Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference play this week, welcoming Holy Family to the Complex on Wednesday afternoon. The opening kick is set for 4:00 p.m.