The Basics
Final Score: Cleveland State 3, Detroit Mercy 1
Records: Detroit Mercy 0-3-3 (0-1-1 HL), 4-3-0 (2-0-0 HL)
Location: Detroit, Mich. (Titan Field)
DETROIT (9/17/2016) -- An early goal in the second half from senior
Tommy Bowman tied the game up, but the University of Detroit Mercy men's soccer team couldn't sustain the advantage in a 3-1 loss Saturday afternoon against visiting Cleveland State. Detroit Mercy's home opener was played in front of 403 fans from Titan Field.
The Titans trailed 1-0 at halftime, but Bowman corralled a loose ball just two minutes into the second half and fired home a shot that snuck just under the crossbar. His marker was his first goal of the season and came at the 46:59 mark of the match.
Cleveland State scored just minutes later, however, as the Vikings were given a penalty chance. Sergio Manesio converted in the 53rd minute to once again give the Vikings the lead. Just minutes later, junior
Spiro Pliakos put a shot on goal and a follow-up shot from senior
Matt Harkema was just pushed high of the net.
Bowman followed in the 69th minute with another rocket, this time just going high of the goal. It was the final opportunity on net for the Titans in the match.
Detroit Mercy had six shots in both halves, finishing with 12 for the match. One of Detroit Mercy's best opportunities came in the first half when junior
Adam Clauss had a good look on net, only to have his shot turned away by CSU goalkeeper Aleksandar Drobac. Bowman's rebound chance was also deflected away just a second later.
CSU totaled 14 shots, seven of them on goal. The Titans had the edge in corner kicks, 3-2, while only one yellow card was issued in the match.
Robbie Beckwell made his sixth-straight start in net for the Titans, turning away four shots. Bowman had four shots, two of them on goal. Pliakos had three shots for the Titans.
On Tap
Detroit Mercy returns to the pitch Wednesday to host rival Oakland from Titan Field. Game time is set for 5 p.m. and is the second of a doubleheader with the Detroit Mercy women's soccer team. The game is set to be broadcast live on ESPN3.com and the WatchESPN Applications.
