Box Score

VALPARAISO, Ind. -- The Detroit Titan men's soccer team lost a heartbreaker to Valparaiso on a cool, windy Friday night at Brown Field. The Titans fought back to tie the game late in the second half, but ultimately fell to 4-6 on the year with the loss.

Gerardo Avelar scored the game-winning goal for Valparaiso. The Titans were playing down a man after a red card was issued to Kevin Gill. There were 26 fouls called on Detroit compared to just 12 for Valpo. Detroit also ended up with five yellow cards compared to just one for the Crusaders.

Valparaiso scored the first goal of the game with less than five minutes to play in the first half. After a nice save from Anthony Shepherd, the Crusaders played fast on a corner kick opportunity. There was a scramble in front of the net and Charles Barden ended up with the ball and his second goal of the season. Chadd Sult was credited with an assist on the play.

Tevin Wynter nearly tied the game off a throw in from Adam Bedell. Wynter connected on a header that looked like it was going to find the back of the net, but Valparaiso came up with a team save. Detroit would not be denied as Bedell knotted the game at 1-1 minutes later. Bedell scored his second goal of the year off an assist from Nate Robinson.

Valpo regained the lead after a goal from Chadd Sult. Sult scored on a double assist from Sam Haines and Barden. The Crusaders were not able to hold on as Pat Lepera scored his third goal of the season late in the second half off an assist from Matt Nedwicki. Lepera's third goal this week sent the game into overtime.

Shepherd played well as the goalkeeper for Detroit.  He made eight saves on Friday night including five in the first half.

Detroit's best scoring opportunity in the first half came with roughly 18:00 minutes remaining. Adam Bedell found Mike Chiandussi running down the right side of the field. Chiandussi dribbled to his right and fired a shot from 15 yards out but Kyle Zobeck came up with the save. Chiandussi left the game after the play and was unable to return due to an undisclosed injury.

The Titans will continue Horizon League play with a matchup against Milwaukee on Saturday, Oct. 8. Game time is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.