The Basics
Final Score: Oakland 1, Detroit Mercy 0 (OT)
Records: Oakland 4-2-1, 1-1 HL, Detroit Mercy 1-5, 0-2 HL
Location: Detroit, Mich. (Titan Field)

DETROIT (9/15/2018) -- A back-and-forth defensive battle between rivals was the story for much of Saturday's University of Detroit Mercy men's soccer match from Titan Field. Visiting Oakland was able to score near the end of the first overtime frame, however, as the Titans fell 1-0 in their home opener.

Detroit Mercy had the first two scoring opportunities in overtime with junior Jake Reitzloff nearly scoring on a rush to the net with the Oakland goalkeeper out of position. A corner kick by the Titans off the foot of Demetri Pliakos in the 97th minute found the head of junior Aleks Vushaj and his header was high of the crossbar.

The Golden Grizzlies scored with 43 seconds left in the first overtime with Dylan Borzak scoring off a strong strike inside the box. It was the fourth match in five Metro Series match-ups between the two squads that has been decided by one goal, including all three from Titan Field.

The first half yielded just six shots and none on net as the Titans defense was up to the task early in this one. Detroit Mercy had the first shot with Vushaj getting in behind the defense and putting a shot high of the bar.

Detroit Mercy had another great opportunity in the 69th minute when a Pliakos' corner kick went to the far side of the box. Redshirt sophomore defender Justin Murray put a perfect header towards the top of the goal, but it was turned away by the Oakland keeper.

Later in the second half, another good cross was headed towards net by junior Dylan Fillwock, but it was again saved. Titan redshirt freshman goalkeeper Devin Mendez turned away three shots on goal in the second half, making three saves, including one in the 87th minute.

Vushaj led the Titans with two shots in the contest. There were 20 fouls called in the contest and no cards issued. Oakland held a 16-5 shot advantage, although Detroit Mercy put two of its five shots on net. The Golden Grizzlies also held a 9-5 edge in corner kicks.
 

Final from Titan Field on Saturday.

Detroit Mercy is back in action Tuesday at Pitt.#DetroitsCollegeTeam pic.twitter.com/u33YviB2KB

— Detroit Mercy MSOC (@UDMSoccer) September 15, 2018

Up Next
Detroit Mercy returns to the field on Tuesday, traveling to Pittsburgh for a 7 p.m. match against the Panthers. It's the start of three-straight on the road for the Titans. The match against Pitt may be seen live via ACC Extra.