Board Game Arena

https://boardgamearena.com/table?table=527458418

What could I have done differently in this game? The guy had a lot of science really early and got to 7 rep and 2 upgraded cards before the first break.

Even though I eventually caught up in reputation, it wasn't enough.

I could have hate-drafted the Research conservation project but I didn't think he would have that much science so early.

They had a reasonably good start because they had all the time in the world to play their sponsors in round 1.
Can I ask what your thought process was behind x-ing back your sponsors action as a first move? That alone seems like a game-losing tempo move and I can't understand the motivation behind it.

I think you also could have been more efficient with your first round's build and animal actions. Instead of playing the 1-size next to water you could have played a 2-size on the sponsor-for-money and bought either sponsor. Next turn build a 1 size next to water, and then play both slow worm and kookabura in one move. After that you could have gotten out your second sponsor. Then after the break you could associate Australia 2 immediately (albeit debatably since you have a 3rd Australia tag in your hand). But overall I think this line (with Aus 2 assoc after break) is much better tempo.

Second round you unnecessarily spent an x-token to get out tech institute which you could have saved by playing animals first (the action that you did next move anyway) and then play the sponsor. Mid-round you could have blocked oppo taking scarlet macaw (which they already had the partner zoo for and subsequently played the same round to great effect) and still take the alpaca by building a pavillion and petting zoo to cover 2 draw card spots. It also would have saved 2 future pavillion spaces next to the existing kiosk.