Box Score

VALPARAISO. Ind. (10/6/2012) -- It was a cold and dark afternoon and a tough road task on the schedule for the University of Detroit Mercy women's soccer team against the Valparaiso Crusaders, who were not welcoming guests Saturday afternoon scoring a late goal in the 87th minute en route to a 1-0 home win at Eastgate Field.

“It was a tough road game for us and we played a good team,” said UDM head coach Mike Lupenec.  “When you don't score goals, you don't win games. They scored one and that was the difference in today's game.”

Valparaiso (8-4-1, 2-1 Horizon League) held a slight edge at the half over Detroit (5-6-1, 2-2 Horizon League) in total shots (8-7), but the Crusaders came back and held the Titans in check in the second frame with a 10-2 advantage as Valpo finished with 18 total shots to nine for Detroit.

The first half saw the Titans hold a 6-3 edge in corner kicks.

The Crusaders broke through with a score late in the contest as the pressure was too much for Detroit and Jordyn Ryfiak netted the lone goal at 86:38 from the left side of the goal off a cross.

Kaitlyn Quarrell and Abby McCollum each led the team with two shots on goal apiece, including a great chance for Quarrell at the 14:17 mark as she broke free, but had her shot go just wide and to the right of the net.

It was a Horizon League best seventh shutout of the season, in 13 games, for Valparaiso goalkeeper Kristen Manski, who finished with six saves.

Titan goalkeeper Nora Abolins made eight saves in net.

Detroit will conclude its regular season road schedule on Wednesday evening with a game at Wright State set for 7:00 p.m.