TIFFIN -- The Heidelberg University Men's Soccer team started conference play with a hard-fought 2-1 loss to Wilmington on Saturday. Though the team doesn't acknowledge silver linings, the vast improvement shown from last year's loss to Wilmington is a positive sign for the Student Princes.

Heidelberg slid to 2-8 overall, while the Quakers improved to 7-2-2.

Wilmington struck first with a penalty kick goal in the 35th minute, a whistle that was upheld after video review. 

After halftime, Wilmington scored early in the second half, playing down the right side and pushing a shot past Collin Biehler. 

Hanging tough, Heidelberg cut the deficit in half with a glorious strike from Kaiden Reed in the 55th minute. On a restart from the left wing, Reed curled a shot inside the back post.  

Biehler made four saves in the loss. Wilmington held a 17-6 edge in shots. 

Heidelberg hosts Capital on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Hoernemann Stadium.