The UNC-Wilmington men’s soccer team played its first regular season home game against Campbell, and for fans who came out on a gorgeous Thursday night, a match full of excitement ultimately ended in disappointment.

In the blink of an eye, UNCW went from leading 1-0, to being down 3-1 and sufficiently shell-shocked. Campbell put balls in the net in the 71st, 74th, and 75th minutes, spoiling an otherwise well-played game by the Seahawks.

“That’s the nature of the sport,” UNCW coach Aidan Heaney said after the game. “You can’t take a moment off, and unfortunately, we had some mental lapses.” The Seahawks were sharp at times, as defenseman Jacob Vancompernolle connected with senior Daniel Roberts’ free kick, putting UNCW ahead in the 17th minute.

The Seahawks were fundamentally sound for the rest of the half, having good touches and out-hustling the Camels. Starting the second half, UNCW came out of the gate with the same intensity they ended the first half with, but lack of communication and sloppy defense led to the Camels three-goal burst in four minutes.

Junior Thomas Driver scored a late goal for the Seahawks, connecting on a header in the 80th minute, but the comeback was quickly put to rest, as Campbell (1-0-1) added a final goal in the 85th minute. UNCW had plenty of chances, out-shooting Campbell 14-13, but stellar play by Campbell goalie Ethan Hall; who had six saves on the day, left the Seahawks with only two goals.

While the outcome was a disappointing finish to a promising start, Heaney and the Seahawks (0-2-0) remain optimistic. The Seahawks are on the pitch Sunday at UNC-Charlotte, before coming back home for the Courtyard by Marriott Tournament, Sept. 9-11.