The Basics
Final Score: Western Michigan 2, Detroit Mercy 1
Records: Detroit Mercy 1-8, Western Michigan 6-4
Location: Kalamazoo, Mich. (WMU Soccer Complex)

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (9/26/2018) -- The University of Detroit Mercy men's soccer team had an early lead on the road Wednesday afternoon at in-state foe Western Michigan, but the Titans were unable to maintain that advantage in a 2-1 setback to the Broncos.

Redshirt freshman Ben Al-Gharabally, making his first collegiate start, scored his first career goal in the 12th minute of the match. After a second consecutive header near the sideline from junior James Solomon between two Bronco defenders gave Al-Gharabally a run towards the box, the midfielder beat the oncoming keeper to the ball. Al-Gharabally's strike from just outside of the box found the back of the wide-open net.

It was the first career points for both Al-Gharabally and Solomon and gave Detroit Mercy a 1-0 lead. Detroit Mercy held the 1-0 advantage until the 22nd minute when WMU found the back of the net on a shot from inside the box.

Western Michigan had 11 shots in the first half and the Titan freshman goalkeeper Devin Mendez made several good saves. He finished the contest with five saves total, matching his season-high with it also being his third match of the season with five saves. The 1-1 score would stand until the halftime break.

The Broncos pushed across a second goal in the 50th minute on a header from a cross.

The red, white and blue had several strong opportunities late in the match, including a chaotic flurry in the 66th minute when Detroit Mercy got off multiple shots in the box in a matter of seconds. Solomon's first shot was blocked and freshman Ryan Halloran's strong follow-up attempt deflected off a Bronco defender, but the WMU keeper was there with a save.

Detroit Mercy had a good opportunity in the final 30 seconds after a corner kick by sophomore Demetri Pliakos bounced around in the box, but junior Justin Schueneman's shot from the top of the box was high of the crossbar.

WMU held a 17-8 shot advantage in the match. Pliakos led the Titans with three shots. Halloran had two shots, both of them on net.

It was the 30th meeting all-time between the two squads. Detroit Mercy holds the all-time series lead, 16-10-4, against the Broncos, which also includes a 6-1-1 mark under head coach Nicholas Deren '99.

Up Next
Detroit Mercy returns to Horizon League play this weekend, hosting Wright State during Homecoming on Saturday for a 2 p.m. match. Admission into the match is free from Titan Field. Those unable to attend may watch the match on ESPN-Plus.