Box Score
Behind #Trina Kochanski's# (Royal Oak, MI/Kimball) third game-winning goal of the season, the Detroit Titans women's soccer team defeated Wright State, 1-0, in Horizon League action Friday night at Alumni Field. With the shutout, the 23rd of her career, senior goalkeeper Katie Fortenberry (Flushing, MI/Flushing) moved into a first-place tie on the school's all-time career shutout list with former UDM netminder Alison Dube (2001-04).
After a scoreless game in the second overtime period, Kochanski got past two Wright State defenders, dribbled the ball in and ripped a shot from 20 yards out which beat WSU (8-8-1, 3-3-1 HL) goalkeeper Meghan Hackerson to the far post giving Detroit (8-5-1, 4-1 HL) its third consecutive victory and sixth win over the last seven games.
"Everything happened so fast," added Kochanski. "Once I got past the defenders into open space, I made sure to connect on the shot and place it into the corner because I figured we might not get any more quality chances. I was so happy to be able to help deliver such a big win on the road for the team. It seems not long ago I was a redshirt freshman and now, three years later, I am on the field giving it my all."
Defensively, Fortenberry finished the game with five saves and anchored a solid Titan backline consisting of senior Melanie Slusher (Sterling Heights, MI/Stevenson), junior Alauna Pierce (Toronto, Ontario/Mowat) and freshmen Alyssa Korson (Suttons Bay, MI/Lake Leelanau St. Mary's) and Alexandra Suschak (Brecksville, OH/Brecksville), who held WSU scoreless after surrendering 15 shots and six corner kick opportunities.
"I am very honored to be tied on the career shutout list but, more importantly, I am glad that our team got the win which was a big step for us to host a first round tournament game," commented Fortenberry. "This victory was a total team effort and I could have not recorded the shutout without the solid back line that played great in front on me and a clutch offense that tallied a huge goal in double overtime."
"Our girls showed a lot of character and proved today what we can do when we give a complete team effort by wining tackles and the 50/50 battles in a tough physical game," said head coach Mike Lupenec. "Heading into overtime, we were optimistic that our determination and fitness would pay off in the end. I am extremely proud of our backline and Katie who shutdown a very good Wright State team. This team showed me today that they have what it takes to possibly win this conference," added Lupenec. "This win was huge and gives us a leg up in hosting a first round game in the Horizon League Tournament."
The first half was a defensive standstill for both teams. Detroit mounted pressure early, but was outshot 9-4 by Wright State. Fortenberry came up big midway through the frame as she redirected a shot from Jess Rooma over the net from 10 yards out. WSU had it best chance with nine minutes remaining in the period when Fortenberry got caught out of position as Rooma back touched a kick towards the net that Slusher was able to clear out.
In the second half, the Raiders applied pressure with Detroit sitting back looking to counter attack. Detroit's best chance to score came as Kiely slipped by two WSU defenders and broke in alone inside the 18-yard line, but put the shot high just over the cross bar.
Detroit returns to Titan Field for a Horizon League match against Loyola on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 1:00 p.m. Prior to the contest, the Titans will honor the 2008 senior class for their hard work and dedication to the program.
