DETROIT (8/17/2018) -- The University of Detroit Mercy men's soccer team scored two second-half goals to propel the Titans to a 3-1 exhibition victory over visiting Grace College (Ind.) on Friday afternoon from Titan Field.

After the rain cleared up just before game time, the Titans found the back of the net in the third minute with junior forward Aleks Vushaj knocking home the ball inside the box to put Detroit Mercy ahead 1-0. Redshirt sophomore defender Justin Murray earned the assist on the play.

Grace College, who played in the NAIA National Championships in 2017, added a goal before the halftime break as the two sides were knotted 1-1 after 45 minutes of play.

In the second half, after sophomore forward Mohamad Miri initially created a great scoring chance, junior forward Jake Reitzloff controlled a rebound and then easily knocked home his shot into an open net as Detroit Mercy took the advantage, 2-1.

With just four minutes left in the game, sophomore Demetri Pliakos curved a ball off a free kick over the wall in the box and inside the near post. Freshman goalkeeper Evan Mazurek made a great save on a rising shot just seconds later to help preserve the victory.

Detroit Mercy opens its 32nd season of men's soccer officially next Friday, Aug. 24, playing at California in its regular-season opener from Berkley, Calif. The Titans are entering their ninth season under head coach Nicholas Deren '99.