DURHAM - Things started very promising for the Green Hope Falcons boys soccer team on Thursday in its season opener against Durham Jordan.

Falcon senior Logan Paussa lofted a shot from midfield to give Green Hope a 1-0 advantage over one of the top teams in the state three minutes into the game, momentarily erasing any concerns fans might have had about a team who graduated 11 players last year.

Still, the lead did not last, as Jordan - ranked No. 5 in the state - pulled away and avenged last season's crushing playoff loss to Green Hope, which is ranked second in the state, with a 3-1 victory.

Senior Monbo Bokar scored two goals for Jordan, while classmate Jonathan Ray added one. Joaquin Del Rosario assisted on two goals for the Durham County Falcons.

Despite the loss, Green Hope head coach Andrew Chadwick was very optimistic about the season and pleased with his players' performance.

"We knew we would be tested today, but we look at these [regular season] games as scrimmages which help us get prepared for the playoffs," Chadwick said. "Last year we started 2-1-2 and then ran off 19 straight. This [current] team has a lot of potential."

In 2009, Green Hope went on to play for the 4-A state title, edging Jordan 2-1 in the third round. The Falcons lost in the finals to Greensboro Page. Among the 11 players Green Hope lost entering 2010 is last year's conference player of the year Jared Girard, who graduated and now attends Campbell University.

Chadwick was happy about junior goalkeeper Thomas Mousseau, who recorded eight saves in his first game in goal. Mousseau helped keep Green Hope ahead until Bokar tied the game 1-1 with 22:40 remaining before halftime.

Jordan continued to put pressure on the Green Hope defense, and then finally Ray scored seven minutes later on a penalty kick to put Jordan ahead for good.

"We know that it's not how we start the campaign but rather how we finish," said Jordan head coach Steve Turner. "Jonathan is an excellent player, when he's focused our entire team is focused."

"Teddy Mullin turned in a tough, workmanlike performance out there today, and then Christian Bowers and Inaki Urizwere magic defensively."

Green Hope rarely seemed to have easy scoring chances, thanks in part to a Jordan defense that always seemed to be in the right place. Green Hope players would chase down a ball, and then have their first pass stolen by a Jordan defender.

Chadwick praised his team for their hustle and effort, but acknowledged how draining it was for the players to be running so hard and then not being able to keep possession.

In addition, sophomore midfielder Ryan Thompson was injured just prior to Jordan's first score. Thompson returned a few minutes later, and then re-injured his leg early in the second half and came out for good.

Bokar added his second goal midway through the second half to conclude the scoring. Jordan goalie Steven Baran recorded four saves.

Last year, Green Hope lost to Jordan in the regular season and then won in the playoffs. Although there is no guarantee both teams will meet again in 2010, Chadwick gave an insightful analogy about his current group.

"Working with this group is like painting on a nice canvas and knowing that if things go right we can come up with a pretty picture at the end," Chadwick said.

Green Hope's next games include Wakefield and Leesville Road.