Box Score
Horizon League play began for the University of Detroit Mercy men's soccer team Friday afternoon at Titan Field, but UDM was edged by Valparaiso, 1-0.
At the 33:15 mark, Valpo junior Zack Stivers dished out a pass to teammate junior Roby Del Giudice, who struck a shot out from about 33 yards to the left post. The ball then ricocheted off the right post and, since it was behind the line, it was good for the lone goal of the game.
UDM sophomore
Sam Seppo (Port Huron, MI/Port Huron) tallied a game-high five shots, two of which were on goal, while both senior
Nick Dreshaj (Clinton Twp., MI/Chippewa Valley) and freshman
Pat Lepera (Windsor, ON/St. Joseph's Catholic) both ended the game with two shots a piece.
"Valpo capitalized on its chances and we, unfortunately, did not," said Detroit head coach
Morris Lupenec. "We had two or three good chances in the first half and did not get any results, but they (Valpo) was able to get a score out of one of their chances.
"We will see what we are all about here soon. After our Oral Roberts game on Sunday, we have more conference games coming up. In this league, it is going to be about who makes the most of their opportunities, which is something that we need to improve on."
Detroit freshman netminder
Brandon Waterstradt (Dearborn Heights, MI/Catholic Central) tallied six saves, while allowing one goal in 90 minutes of action and Valpo (4-3, 1-0 HL) junior goalkeeper Ryan Schwarz earned the win for the Crusaders after collecting four saves the entire contest.
Detroit (1-5-1, 0-1 HL) had a slight advantage in shots, 12-11, and UDM is the only team that took any corner kicks the entire game (9).
The Titans will return to action when they host Oral Roberts on Sunday at Titan Field. Kick-off is slated for 11 a.m.
-Detroit Titans-
