PONTIAC, Mich. (2/10/2021) -- The University of Detroit Mercy women's soccer team started the season with a thrilling win as junior Julie Ann Piechocki's shot hit the inside of the post and slide inside the net in the 85th minute to give the Titans a 2-1 victory over Youngstown State.

The game was played indoors at Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac due to winter conditions.

The Titans took an early 1-0 lead as senior Olivia Parra took a pass from freshman Paige Myers in front of the box and beat the keeper just 15 minutes into the action.

The game remained 1-0 and the Titans were on the attack again early in the second half, as freshman Erica Toupin had a few looks on net, but one went wide and another was stopped by the YSU goalkeeper and that eventually led to an attack opportunity for the Penguins as the first shot was blocked, but they kept the ball on the rebound and knotted it up at 1-1 at the 55:29 mark.

Each team would have a few good scoring opportunities after that with Titan freshman goalie Marisa Silver coming up with a pair of saves, including one off a corner kick.

Then in the 85th minute, Piechocki was able to get loose in the middle of the field and beat a defender, firing a shot that hit the left post, but still caromed to the back of the net for a 2-1 advantage.

YSU still had a couple of opportunities late, but Silver came up with another save with under four minutes left.

The red, white and blue out-shot Youngstown State, 18-13, and have a 5-3 edge in corner kicks. Silver finished with six saves and Toupin and Myers led the offense with four shots apiece. 

The Titans will be back in action next Wednesday, Feb. 17, when they travel to Wright State.