ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Saint Louis dropped a 3-2 decision at New Mexico Wednesday night in non-conference men's soccer action at UNM Soccer Complex. It was the season opener for both squads.

SLU now sets its sights on its home opener against South Florida (0-1-0), which is slated for Saturday at 7 p.m. at Hermann Stadium.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game," head coach Mike McGinty said. "New Mexico is a good team and they had us on our heels for much of the night. It's disappointing because we had our moments and had a lead in the first half. Now we have to regroup and get ready for Saturday."

The Billikens jumped on top early against the Lobos, receiving a goal from freshman Christian Briggs in the 11th minute. Sophomore Alex Sweetin set up the scoring play on a restart just outside the box. He sent the ball in, and Briggs managed to get a foot on the serve and knocked it off the crossbar and into the net.

New Mexico equalized in the 32nd minute when Levi Rossi buried a rebound off a Devon Sandoval chance. The teams carried that 1-1 score into halftime.

After the break, New Mexico took the lead with a quick second-half tally by Michael Kafari. Roughly 10 minutes later, Lance Rozeboom fired past SLU keeper Nick Shackelford after a SLU giveaway to make it a 3-1 game.

The Billikens benefited from an own goal late in the second half, but New Mexico held on for the 3-2 victory. It is the second straight season the Lobos topped SLU to begin the season. Last year, UNM posted a 3-0 victory at Hermann Stadium.

New Mexico held a 21-4 advantage in shots, forcing Shackelford to make nine saves. Each team registered five corners.