VIRGINIA BEACH - The #25 UT Dallas men's soccer team's second half rally fell short in 3-2 loss at Virginia Wesleyan Friday night.

The Marlins (5-1) jumped out a 2-0 lead with goals from Zach Bittler in the 22nd minute and Caleb Jackson in the 29th.

Junior midfielder Leo Castro cut through the VWU defense and connected with sophomore forward Riley O'Donnell, who found the back of the net from the right side, cutting the Comets' (3-1-1) deficit to 2-1. 

In the second half, Bittler scored again in the 64th minute. Junior Kane Kidwell broke through four Marlin defenders from the left side of the box to make the game 3-2 with 9:16 left in the game.

UTD managed a pair of shots in the final minutes of the game, including one on goal from Gavin Smith, but VWU hung on for the win.

The Comets outshot the Marlins 19-17 overall and 12-9 in goal. Both teams took four corner kicks and committed 14 fouls.

UT Dallas Notes
- O'Donnell scored his second goal of the season and 15th of his career.
- Kidwell registered his team-leading third goal of the year and sixth of his career.
- Castro's assist moves him into the Comet lead with two on the year.
- Ethan Hilliard had a season-best four assists in goal in the first half, while Michael Hesse stopped two shots.
- Freshman defender Jason Young led UTD with three shots on goal.

Virginia Wesleyan Notes
- Bittler scored twice on three shots.
- Josh Condit, Everett McCloskey, Ilan Mejia and Noah Fowler each recorded assists.
- Griffin Potter had 10 saves in goal for the Marlins. 

Up Next
The Comets will play at Christopher Newport in Newport News, Va. on Sunday at noon.