DETROIT (10/24/22) – The Detroit Mercy women's soccer team closes out the regular season with a Metro Series showdown at arch-rival Oakland on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. The match will be broadcast live from the Oakland Soccer Field on ESPN+ with the voice of the Golden Grizzlies Neal Ruhl on the call.
 
A Look at the Competition:
Oakland currently sits in a third-place tie in the #HLWSOC standings with 15 points at 4-2-3 with an 7-3-7 overall record. The Golden Grizzlies were picked to finish first in the 2022 HL Preseason Poll.
 
Metro Series All-Time Results: Oakland leads 5-3-1
2021: L Detroit Mercy 2 vs Oakland 3 (OT)
2020-21: L Detroit Mercy 0 at Oakland 2
2019: L Detroit Mercy 1 at Oakland 2
2018: L Detroit Mercy 0 vs Oakland 1
2017: L Detroit Mercy 1 at Oakland 2
2016: W Detroit Mercy 1 vs Oakland 0 (OT)
2015: T Detroit Mercy 1 at Oakland 1 (2OT)
2014: W Detroit Mercy 1 vs Oakland 0 (OT – HL Semifinals at Valparaiso)
2014: W Detroit Mercy 2 vs Oakland 1 (OT)
 
What's at Stake:
Detroit Mercy currently sits in eighth place with 12 points. If the Titans lose or draw against Oakland, they will not qualify for the Horizon League Tournament. If they win, there are 11 different tie-breaker scenarios which all indicate they would make the tournament. However, there is only one scenario where if Wright State has a win or draw, YSU wins and CSU wins, that would keep the Titans out of the tournament despite a win over the Golden Grizzlies.
 
Down to the Wire:
Milwaukee sits atop the #HLWOSC standings with 20 points followed by Purdue Fort Wayne in second at 18 points. Oakland, Wright State and IUPUI are all tied for third place with 15 points while YSU just one point behind in fourth with 14 points followed by CSU with 13 points.
 
Home Sweet Home:
Detroit Mercy finished the regular season at Titan Field with a 5-1-1 record including a 4-1 mark in league play. Their only loss came in the Senior Day home finale against Purdue Fort Wayne.
 
Senior Day Salute:
Prior to the match against PFW, the women's soccer team honored seniors Sofia Bellaire, Isabella Kaschalk, Cece Muscovac, Mariana Muscovac, Julie Ann Piechocki, Alessandra Pontoni, Ava Stander, Katie Sullivan and Hailey Wentzloff for their hard work and dedication to the program.
 
Zulewski Gets First Career Goal the Hard Way:
Junior Olivia Zulewski posted her first career goal in the most unlikely way in the Titans' 3-2 win over Wright State (10/6). The Raider goalkeeper fired a clear attempt that hit Zulewski square in the chest. The ball then deflected off her chest backwards into the back of the net giving Zulewski her first career goal and a 3-1 Titan advantage which proved to be the game-winning tally.
 
Toup There it is:
Junior Erica Toupin scored her first career goal putting home a deflection in the Titans' 3-2 win over WSU. She also assisted on the game-winning goal in the 2-0 win over YSU.
 
On the Board:
Graduate student Hailey Wentzloff added her fourth career goal off a penalty kick against Wright State. Junior Paige Myers posted her first points of the season with an assist on the equalizer in the 1-1 draw against WMU.
 
Piechocki Pumping in the Points:
Graduate Student Julie Ann Piechocki is tied for the team lead in goals (3) which is also tied for fourth in HL stats only, ranks second on the team in points (7) after posting six points over a three-game span scoring goals in three consecutive games. She tallied her first goal of the season which proved the game-winner in the Titans' 1-0 win over Youngstown State (9/22) and followed that up scoring the Titan's lone goal in their 2-1 setback at Robert Morris (9/25). Her first assist of the season came against Canisius (8/28).
 
Piechocki Named Nike® #HLWSOC Offensive Player of the Week:
Piechocki was named Nike® Horizon League Offensive Player of the Week announced by the league office.
 Piechocki, a midfielder from Macomb, Mich., scored a goal for the third consecutive Horizon League match helping Detroit Mercy to a 2-0 win over Green Bay to remain unbeaten at Titan Field with a 3-0 HL record.
 
All-World Abby:
Freshman Abbey Lodato has had no trouble making the jump from high school to college solidifying herself as an offensive force so far leading the team in points (9) and is tied for the team lead in assists (5). She added her fifth assist in Detroit Mercy's 3-2 epic win over Wright State (10/6) and the fourth on the game-winning goal in the 2-0 win over Green Bay (10/1). Her three assists in league play are tied for eighth in HL stats only.
 
She scored her second goal of the season and third assist on the game-winning goal in Detroit Mercy's 2-0 league opening win over Northern Kentucky (9/15).
 
Earlier this season, Lodato picked the perfect time to notch her first career goal as she headed in the equalizer off a header in the Titans' 1-1 draw against WMU (8/25). She also notched her first career assist on Gabby Ketola's game-winning goal at FGCU and added another assist against Canisius.
 
Stanley Dishing the Rock:
Senior Taylor Stanley is tied for the team lead in assist (5) and ranks second in points (7). She recorded her first goal of the season along with two assists for a total of four points against WMU and Canisius. She assisted on the equalizer in the Titans' 1-1 draw against Western Michigan (8/25). After assisting on Detroit Mercy's first goal against Canisius (8/28), she scored the game-winning goal in the 81st minute giving the Titans a 2-1 win over the Golden Griffins. She also added assists in wins over NKU and Green Bay and setback at Robert Morris. Her three assists in league play are tied for eighth in HL stats only.
 
Blankenship Bringing It:
Freshman Sophia Blankenship is tied for the team lead in goals (3) while ranking fourth in points (6). She scored her first collegiate goal at in Detroit Mercy's 2-1 win at FGCU (8/18) and followed with her second in the Tians' 2-1 win over Canisius (8/28). She added her team-best third goal at Central Michigan (9/1).
 
Scott Making the Stops:
Junior Jasmine Scott ranks fifth in the league with three shutouts (HL stats only) after the Titans 2-0 win over YSU (10/1). She posted her first career shutout making two saves in Detroit Mercy's 2-0 HL opening over NKU (9/15) and added her second shutout of the season in the Titans' 1-0 win over YSU (9/22). She also posted a career-high six saves in the 3-2 win over Wright State (10/6) and in the setback at Cleveland State (9/18). Scott helped Detroit Mercy to a 1-0-1 record to start the season recording 10 total saves. She posted five saves in the Titans' 1-1 draw against Western Michigan and picked up her second win of the season making another five saves in the Titans' 2-1 win over Canisius. She has now made five saves in three consecutive games and recorded her second career win coming off the bench posting four saves to secure the Titans' win at FGCU (8/18).
 
Newcomers Making Solid Impact:
-Freshman Soraya Puerto-Khalil's recorded her first career goal in the Titans' 2-0 HL opening win over NKU and followed with the game-winning goal in the Titan's 2-0 win over Green Bay.
 
-Junior transfer Gabby Ketola tallied the game-winner, her first in a Titan uniform, during the 48th minute in Detroit Mercy's 2-1 win over FGSU.
 
-Freshman Megan Malek posted her first career goal at CMU (9/1).
 
A Long Time Coming:
Detroit Mercy's 2-1 season opening win at Florida Gulf Coast marked the first season-opening road win for the Titans since a 2-1 triumph at Western Michigan in 1996.
 
Season Rewind:
Oct. 22 – Detroit Mercy 0 vs Purdue Fort Wayne 1:
Graduate student Julie Ann Piechocki and freshman Abbey Lodato had some quality chances with two shots on goal each while junior Erica Toupin and senior Taylor Stanley each had a shot on goal. However, Detroit Mercy could not get the equalizer falling 1-0 to Purdue Fort Wayne in #HLWSOC action on Senior Day. This was the first setback at home as the Titans finished the regular season 5-1-1 at Titan Field.
 
Oct. 13 – Detroit Mercy 0 at Milwaukee 4:
Freshmen Soraya Puerto-Khalil posted a team-high two shots on goal while freshman Abbey Lodato, graduate student Julie Ann Piechocki and junior Gabby Ketola each had a shot on goal as Detroit Mercy fell 4-0 at defending #HLWSOC champion MIlwaukee on Thursday night. Freshman Megan Malek and Puerto-Khalil each posted a team-high three total shots while junior Jazmine Scott had four saves in goal. For the game Detroit Mercy (6-8-1, 4-4 HL) had 13 shots with five on net.
 
Oct. 9 – Detroit Mercy 0 at IUPUI 3:
Freshmen Abby Lodato and Soraya Puerto-Khalil along with graduate student Julie Ann Piechocki each had a shot on goal while the trio accounted for all of Detroit Mercy's eight total shots as the Titans fell 3-0 at IUPUI on Sunday afternoon.
 
Oct. 6 – Detroit Mercy 3 vs Wright State 2:
Titans Moved into First Place:
The battle for first place in the #HLWSOC standings did not disappoint as graduate student Hailey Wentzloff and juniors Erica Toupin and Olivia Zulewski each scored goals as Detroit Mercy held off Wright State for an epic 3-2 win to move into first place in the league standings and remain a perfect 5-0-1 at Titan Field this season. Freshman Abbey Lodato added her team-best fifth assist of Toupin's first goal of the season. Junior Jazmine Scott picked up her sixth win on the year.
 
Oct. 1 – Detroit Mercy 2 vs Green Bay 0:
Freshman Soraya Puerto-Khalil delivered the game-winning goal off assists from junior Erica Toupin and freshman Abbey Lodato while graduate Student Julie Ann Piechocki scored a goal for the third consecutive match off a feed from senior Taylor Stanley as Detroit Mercy blanked Green Bay, 2-0, on Homecoming Saturday to remain undefeated at Titan Field on the season.
 
Sept. 25 – Detroit Mercy 1 at RMU 2:
Graduate Student Julie Ann Piechocki scored a goal for the second consecutive game but it was not enough as Detroit Mercy's came up short, 2-1, at Robert Morris on Sunday afternoon at the North Athletic Complex. Detroit Mercy (4-6-1, 2-2-0 HL) wasted little time getting on the board as Piechocki scored her second goal of the season giving the Titans a 1-0 just 11 minutes into the game. RMU (6-2-3, 1-2-1 HL) got the equalizer in the 35th minute tying the game at 1-1 heading into the locker room. The game looked as if it was going to end in a draw but the Colonials got the game-winner late in the 82nd minute to secure their first league win of the season.
 
Sept. 22 – Detroit Mercy 1 vs YSU 0:
Graduate Student Julie Ann Piechocki delivered the game-winning goal in the 61st minute to secure Detroit Mercy's 1-0 win over visiting Youngstown State to remain unbeaten at home in Horizon League play on Thursday night at Titan Field. Junior Jazimne Scott recorded her second shutout of the season making four saves.
 
Sept. 18 – Detroit Mercy 0 at CSU 3:
Freshman Erica Toupin posted a team-high five shots with four on goal while senior Taylor Stanley added a shot on goals as Detroit Mercy fell 2-0 at Cleveland State in Horizon League play. Junior Jazmine Scott made a career-high six saves. Detroit Mercy (3-5-1, 1-1 HL) had four shots on goal out five total shots in the first half but could not get a shot past CSU (4-3-2, 1-1-0 HL) goalkeeper Liv Fain while the Vikings were able to put two goals on the board.
 
Sept. 15 – Detroit Mercy 2 vs NKU 0:
Freshman Sophia Blankenship and
Freshman Abbey Lodato scored her second goal of the season and posted her team-leading third assist on fellow freshman Soraya Puerto-Khalil's first career goal as Detroit Mercy blanked Northern Kentucky 2-0 to open Horizon League play on Thursday night at Titan Field. Senior Taylor Stanley also added a team-best third assist while junior Jazmine Scott posted her first career shutout making two saves. Detroit Mercy (3-4-1, 1-0 HL) posted a season-high 21 total shots with nine on goal. Conversely, the back line limited NKU (0-5-1, 0-1 HL) to just seven shots with two on goal.
 
Sept. 8 – Detroit Mercy 0 at EKU 1:
Freshman Sophia Blankenship and senior Taylor Stanley each posted two shots on goal while graduate student Julie Ann Piechocki had three shots as Detroit Mercy fell short 1-0 at Eastern Kentucky on Thursday afternoon. In the second half, the game remained scoreless until EKU (3-2) finally broke through in the 71st minute off a corner kick set piece to take a 1-0 lead.
 
Sept. 4 – Detroit Mercy 0 at Bowling Green 1:
Graduate student Hailey Wentzloff nearly got the equalizer off her only shot on goal in the second half as Detroit Mercy came up short falling 1-0 at Bowling Green. Senior Taylor Stanley and sophomore Sarah Soraghan each recorded two shots while graduate student Julie Ann Piechocki had one. Junior Jazmine Scott made three saves in goal for the second straight game.
 
Sept. 1 – Detroit Mercy 2 at Central Michigan 4:
Freshman Sophia Blankenship continued her outstanding offensive production scoring her team-leading third goal of the season while fellow freshman Megan Malek posted her first career goal as Detroit Mercy battled but fell 4-2 at Central Michigan. Junior Jazmine Scott made three saves in goal.
Aug. 28 – Detroit Mercy 2 vs Canisius 1:
Senior Taylor Stanley connected on a cross from graduate student Julie Ann Piechocki in the 81st minute to secure the game-winning goal propelling Detroit Mercy to a 2-1 win over Canisius at Titan field. Freshman Sophia Blankenship also scored her second career goal of the season off an assist from Abbey Lodato and Stanley. Junior Jazmine Scott made five saves in goal to pick up her second win of the season. She has now made five saves in three consecutive games.
Aug. 25 – Detroit Mercy 1 vs WMU 1:
Freshman Abbey Lodato picked the perfect time to notch her first career goal as she headed in the equalizer off a beautiful cross from senior Taylor Stanley set up by a feed from junior Paige Myers in the 79th minute as Detroit Mercy played Western Michigan to a 1-1 draw in home opening action at Titan Field. Junior Jazmine Scott made five saves in goal while facing 19 total shots.
 
Aug. 21 – Detroit Mercy 0 at FAU 4:
The Detroit Mercy women's soccer team split their season opening Florida road swing with a 1-1 record after a 4-0 setback at Florida Atlantic. FAU jumped out to a 2-0 lead with a pair of goals in the 12th and 18th minute. The Titans held the Owls at bay before they added two more tallies to take a 4-0 lead at the half. In the second half, both team defenses kept the offenses off the board to close out the game
 
Aug. 18 – Detroit Mercy 2 at FGCU 1:
Freshman Sophia Blankenship scored her first collegiate goal and junior transfer Gabby Ketola tallied what proved to be the game-winner as the University of Detroit Mercy women's soccer team picked up a 2-1 road win at Florida Gulf Coast. Junior Jazmine Scott came off the bench to tally four saves in between the pipes to pick up her second career win.
 
Exhibition Recap:
Aug. 14 – Detroit Mercy 6 vs Schoolcraft College 1:
Graduate Student Julie Ann Piechocki netted two goals while freshman Gabby Ketola added a goal and assist to lead the Detroit Mercy women's soccer team to a convincing 6-1 win over visiting Schoolcraft College to conclude exhibition play. Freshman Abby Lodato and sophomores Adriana Mroz and Sophia Butkovich each added a tally with junior Paige Myers, freshman Soraya Puerto-Khalil, freshman Mysa Elmokadem and sophomore Genevieve Crocker each adding an assist. Junior Marisa Silver picked up the win in goal while junior Jazmine Scott, graduate student Cece Muskovac and freshman Holli Brown all saw action in net for the Titans.
 
Aug. 11. – Detroit Mercy 3 vs Eastern Michigan 2:
Sophomore Sarah Soraghan notched the game-winning goal off a feed from freshman Sophia Blankenship in the 65th minute of the second half propelling the Detroit Mercy women's soccer team to a 2-1 exhibition win over Eastern Michigan on Thursday at the Legacy Center Sports Complex. After trailing 1-0 at the half, freshman Gabby Ketola sparked the comeback notching the equalizer in the 56th minute. Junior Marisa Silver picked up the win in goal making three saves.
 
The Team:
The 2022 season marks the 29th year of the women's soccer program.
Head Coach Steve Shelton is in his fourth season with the program.
 
Titans picked 10th in 2022 #HLWSOC Preseason Poll:
The Detroit Mercy women's soccer team was picked to finish 10th in the 2022 Horizon League women's Soccer (#HLWSOC) Preseason Poll as announced by the league office and voted on by the league's 11 head coaches. The Titans received 28 points.
 
Returning Firepower:
The Titans have 25 returners including junior Erica Toupin who led the team last season in goals (4), assists (4) and points (12) followed by graduate student Julie Ann Piechocki who also tied for the lead in goals (4) while ranking third in assists (2) and points (10). Sophomore Sarah Soraghan and senior Taylor Stanley also return after both ranked second on the team in goals (2) and fourth in points (5). Junior Tia Jokic is back after ranking second in goals (2) and fifth in points (4). Graduate student Hailey Wentzloff (1 goal, 1 assist, 3 points) and Sophomore Sophia Butkovich (1 assists) also return to round out the offensive production from the 2021 season.
 
Home Grown Talent:
Detroit Mercy has 27 student-athletes from the state of Michigan and one from California in Grace Brutto.
 
O' Canada:
The 2022 roster also includes seven student-athletes from the Canadian Province of Ontario in Cece Muskovac, Danica Paesano, Tia Jokic, Isabella Kaschalk, Alessandra Pontoni, Mysa Elmokadem and Jen Mateyak.
 
Newcomers:
Detroit Mercy has a diverse group of 11 newcomers in goalkeeper Holli Brown, forwards Gabby Ketola, Brynn White, Sophia Blankenship, midfielders Soraya Puerto-Khalil, Megan Malek, Abby Lodato, Mysa Elmokadem and Grace Brutto and defenders Jen Mateyak and Cecily Hughes who will look to make an immediate impact.