CALDWELL, N.J. -- Freshman midfielder Conor Pinkham (Fair Lawn, N.J.) and junior midfielder Zakkery Glatfelter (New Oxford, Pa.) each scored three goals and had an assist as Caldwell men's lacrosse rode a nine-goal second quarter to a halftime lead, but ultimately fell to American International, 18-11, at Kiwanis Oval on Monday.

The Cougars dug out of an early hole that saw the visiting Yellowjackets (2-2) score the game's first five goals to lead 5-0 after the first quarter. But CU roared back, notching the next five goals and eight of the next nine, three by Glatfelter and two by sophomore attacker Michael Spitz (Ringwood, N.J.) for an 8-6 lead. After AIC tied it at eight, Pinkham rocketed a shot past the keeper with three seconds left in the half for a 9-8 edge.

But the visitors scored the first three goals to retake the lead, and after Pinkham scored a man-down goal with 10:30 left in the third to help the Cougars creep to within a goal, the Yellowjackets stung back with five straight goals to close the period and finish off the win.

Sophomore faceoff specialist Val Soltys (Westmont, N.J.) won 16 faceoffs and nabbed nine grounders, and junior midfielder Anthony Salzone (Wayne, N.J.) notched five ground balls and three caused turnovers.

Junior netminder Edwin Himmel-Maines (Delta, Pa.) made nine saves.

The Cougars (0-4) return to action on Saturday in their CACC opener at Holy Family.