ELDRED -- Striking first doesn't always mean you will laugh last. Just ask the Eldred Yellowjackets who in a valiant effort, fell to the visiting Sullivan West Bulldogs, 2-1, in their season opener on Wednesday afternoon.

The home team only has 10 players, which means they'll have to play down a man all season, and be unable to make substitutions. For a team who according to Coach Josh Santoro just saw the field for the first time on game day, they came out firing with a goal from Pierce Weyant. The Yellowjackets took the 1-0 lead into the break.

However, the Bulldogs came back with a vengeance in the second half. First, a Will Connors shot found the back of the net for the equalizer. Then a few minutes later, Connors earned an assist on a goal by teammate Ryan Mace (a force on both the offensive and defensive ends throughout the game), which gave SW a 2-1 lead they didn't relinquish.

Eldred had their chances to tie the game, but a key hustling defensive effort by Michael Schroeder, derailed an Eldred attack midway through the second half. Also, first year starting goalkeeper Will Nearing made a couple big saves for the Bulldogs as well.

Sullivan West Coach Kristina Verrico was happy with her team's play. It's her first year at the helm of the program after serving as the assistant coach to Kai Murray the two previous seasons.

Halftime adjustments, according to Verrico, included moving some players around to fill gaps she noticed, and focusing on maintaining possession.

“They [her team] came back in the second half ready to play, and it showed in the score line,” said Verrico, “and it was aided by big saves from our keeper [Will Nearing].”

The Bulldogs are now 1-1 after losing to Burke Catholic a few weeks ago. They've also had limited gameplay, with many recent contests being canceled.

On Eldred's side, Coach Santoro was pleased with the team's performance.

“They did great,” he said. “Being down a player all game and to not only have a lead, but also to hold them for 52 minutes before they scored a goal was fantastic. I couldn't be more proud.”

Eldred and Sullivan West will meet again on Monday at 4:15 p.m in Lake Huntington.