University of Detroit Mercy Athletics

DETROIT (9-29-26) - Junior Johnny Strickler scored his team-best fifth goal of the season off an assist from John Palomino as Detroit Mercy recorded a hard-fought 1-1 draw against in-state rival Western Michigan on Tuesday night at Titan Field. Junior Quinn Tews faced 20 shots, making a season-best five saves, none bigger than a penalty kick save in the first half.

The first half was a defensive battle until Western Michigan (2-6-2) was awarded a penalty kick after a VAR review in the 32nd minute. WMU's Kyle Pierson, the twin brother of senior Drew Pierson, stepped up and fired a shot to the low left side, but Tews stood tall and made a diving save, keeping the Broncos off the board.

Detroit Mercy (2-6-2) then got on the board in the 42nd minute as Palomino took the ball deep down the left side and sent in a cross into the box where Strickler connected on a header, giving the Titans a 1-0 lead at the half.

UDM held on to the lead for the first 15 minutes of the second half. Unfortunately, Pierson was booked a second yellow card, resulting in a red card in the 61st minute, leaving the Titans to play a man down the rest of the way.

Just 38 seconds later, WMU took advantage, scoring the equalizer to draw even at 1-1.

The Titans were able to tally two more shots offensively the rest of the way, but Tews was solid, making two more clutch saves down the stretch to preserve the draw despite being short-handed.

Detroit Mercy resumes #HLMSOC play with a match at Green Bay on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 3 p.m. ET.


 


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