JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Appalachian State University men's soccer fell to North Florida, 3-2, on Friday night in its 2015 season opener. 

The Mountaineers (0-1-0) got off to a slow start and fell into an early 3-0 deficit. The Ospreys (1-0-0) opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a long forward ball to Milan Kovacs that he finished to the left of the Paul West. 

North Florida stuck again is the 33rd minute and in the 37th minute and carried its advantage into the break. 

"It took us too long to start playing, Said head coach Matt Nelson. "Going into the half down 3-0, we could have come back out and given up another two or three, but we showed determination, grit, and a will to battle back."

The Mountaineers fought hard to claw back into the game in the second half. Cooper Coughlin got the Apps on the score sheet in the 75th minute when he was able to get a foot on a cross from Keegan Tanaka.

The Apps continued to battle to the end and were rewarded with a second goal. Stephen Chapman gathered a ball that deflected off the goal keeper inside the six yard box and was able finish his chance. Ian Bennett was credited with the assist. 

"I am not proud of the result, or our first half performance, but I'll take the way we played in the second half for the next 17 games, "said Nelson. "If we do that we will win some games."

The Mountaineers have another game to play in Jacksonville before returning from their trip to Florida. They will face Jacksonville on Sunday at 12:00 p.m.