Denver--Brighton High School dominated possession time and jumped out to a 1-0 halftime lead but fell 3-2 in their season opener to host Thomas Jefferson High School.

Bulldog senior Centerback Julio Vidal smashed a 30 yard shot in the 28th minute of the first stanza and Brighton controlled the ball 32 of the 40 minute half. They outshot Thomas Jefferson 18-7 but couldn't find the back of the net again until late in the second half when trailing 3-1 and junior midfielder Evan Chartier broke free and finessed a scoring shot past the keeper. There were several more late attempts but nothing found the back of the net for the equalizer.

Thomas got the go ahead goal early in the second half and then added a third on a penalty kick. Senior keeper Brett Stakelin registered four saves.

The Bulldogs home opener is next Thursday with Aurora Central and begins the Bulldog's East Metro Athletic Conference (EMAC) play.