CHARLESTON, Ill. (8/26/24) – The Detroit Mercy men's soccer team bounced back in a major way scoring three first-half goals over three minutes, and never looked back en route to a 5-1 thrashing over Eastern Illinois on Monday night at Lakeside Field to earn the first win of the season. The Titans' five goals were the most scored in a game since a 5-2 win over St. Joseph in 2011.

"College soccer games are hard to win, especially on the road and we are pleased to head back to Detroit after a solid performance from the guys," said Head Coach Nate Kopunek. "In the conditions with the heat, the boys played with great effort and intensity for the full 90 minutes. We always look to regroup and continue to improve one percent at a time while shifting our focus towards the next match in front of us."

Junior Guershom Sylvain led the way scoring the two goals for the Titans (1-1-0) with the first in the 25th and the second off a feed from John Nino in the 27th minute giving UDM a 2-0 lead. Sophomore Josh Copeland then added a third tally a minute later from Ryan Sanborn's first career assist in a Titan uniform for a commanding 3-0 lead. 

The Panthers (1-1-0) got on the board to trail 3-1 at the halftime break.   

Detroit Mercy continued the aggressive attack in the second half as junior Casey McCarthy scored the fourth goal of the evening in the 59th minute off a corner kick feed from sophomore Drew Pierson followed by the final goal in the 66th minute, courtesy of Tim Allos with assists from graduate student Luke Winters and McCarthy.

Redshirt sophomore Quinn Tews faced six shots and made one save in goal.

The Titans continue their road swing at Maryland on Friday, Aug. 30th. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m.