DAYTON, Ohio. (8-21-25) - It was quite the homecoming for sophomore and Ohio native Colin Monroe, who was lights out, making a career-high eight saves to record his first-career shutout as Detroit Mercy played a solid match, battling No. 12 Dayton to a scoreless draw on Thursday night at Baujan Field. This marked the first time the Titans earned a draw against a ranked team on the road since a 2-2 result at No. 16 Ohio State on Sept. 26, 2017.

"I am so proud of the work we put into the preseason. This is a special group that has a real togetherness, and it showed tonight," said Head Coach Nate Kopunek.  "We stack these games up to play some of the best teams in the country to prepare for Horizon League play. We are extremely proud of the performance against a solid and nationally ranked Dayton team, where we played them tight till the final whistle and earned a big clean sheet!."

Senior Guershom Sylvain had the best chance for UDM (0-0-1) early in the game off a corner kick set piece in the sixth minute. Junior Drew Pierson sent in a cross that went directly to sophomore Evan Peleska just outside the top of the box. He sent in a pass to Sylvain, who took a shot and beat Dayton (0-0-1) goalkeeper Gavin Krenecki clean to the low right side, but it rang off the post.

UDM's defense was on point for the majority of the second half. However, Dayton had two one-on-one chances late in the game from Andrew Armstrong. In the 88th minute, he found space inside the box and ripped a shot, but Monroe challenged and cut off the angle to turn the ball away with a leg save. With just 14 seconds left, Armstrong broke free down the right side, moved into the box, and fired a low shot that Monroe stood tall making the save to preserve the shutout. Monroe's performance earned him Meijer Player of the Match honors.

Detroit Mercy welcomes Mercyhurst for the home-opener on Sunday, Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. at Titan Field.