SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - - The Wilmington University men's soccer team had a lead in each half but settled for a 2-2 tie against host American International on Saturday afternoon at Ronald J. Abdow Field.

The Wildcats (1-0-1) outshot American International (0-0-2), 23-8, but only led 8-6 in shots on goal. Wilmington also led 6-2 in corner kicks but was only able to put together two braces in the first draw of the year.

Jeremie Briquet opened the scoring in the 23^rd minute, as the high pressure in the Yellow Jackets' end caused a chance. The front three of the Wildcats forced an arrant pass that Briquet jumped all over. He then brought the ball to his left foot atop the 18-yard mark and beat the keeper low for the 1-0 lead.

The Yellow Jackets used the middle of the field to tie the game in the 41^st minute as the teams went into the break in a 1-1 draw.

Six minutes into the second half the Wildcats took the lead once again. The Yellow Jackets couldn't successfully clear the defensive end and the ball found Diego Rodriguez on the right side. He went all the way across the field to Sora Noda, who cut the ball back inside as his shot went off a defender and into the back of the net for a 2-1 lead in the 51^st minute.

A mistouch in the backfield led to a 3-on-1 for the Yellow Jackets and Simba Pelletier buried the shot from close to make it 2-2 in the 69^th minute.

Yarek Carnegie had a chance from atop the 18-yard box in the 71^st minute but his shot sailed high. He had two more shots in the end of the game, but he couldn't quite chip the keeper in the 79^th and another one saved in the 86^th minute. Sora Noda and Jeremie Briquet had final opportunities but couldn't find the back of the net as the game ended in a 2-2 tie.

The Wildcats remain on the road for one more game before making their home debut. They travel up the road to West Chester on Wednesday to face the Golden Rams starting at 3:00 p.m.