Box Score

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. (9/21/2014) -- The University of Detroit Mercy men's soccer team earned its second road shutout of the season Sunday afternoon, winning 1-0 at Niagara University. Detroit (3-3-1) wrapped up its season-opening seven-game road trip with its third road win.

Junior forward Matt Harkema (Hudsonville, Mich. / Unity Christian) scored the lone goal of the game for the Titans. Harkema scored in the 18th minute on an assist from freshman Spiro Pliakos (Rochester Hills, Mich. / Rochester). The goal was Harkema's first since the 2012 season and fourth career. Harkema missed the entire season last year due to an injury.

"It was a great shutout," UDM head coach Nick Deren said. "It was a great bounce back. It shows a lot of character. And Niagara played pretty well, so I'm pleased with that. It was a very, very important win and now we're just looking ahead to the week. We're getting ready for Wright State. From now on, it's one (game) at a time."

The Detroit defense allowed just seven Niagara shots, a season low total for an opponent. UDM also tied a season-low as the Purple Eagles had just four shots on goal. Niagara (3-4) recorded five shots in the second half, but just one in the final 30 minutes of the match.

Detroit had seven shots in the first half and finished with eight total for the contest. Sophomore defender Tyler Moorman (Caledonia, Mich. / East Kentwood) led the Titans with three shots. Pliakos' assist was his third of the season, which leads the team. Pliakos also leads Detroit with five points and 11 shots.

Senior goalkeeper Nathan Steinwascher (Sterling Heights, Mich. / Stevenson) made four saves in goal to earn his second shutout of the season. The shutout was his eighth career shutout for the Titans.

Detroit has already matched its 2013 win total before playing its first home match of the season.

The Titans return to the pitch Saturday, Sept. 27 for their first home match of the season against Wright State at Titan Field. The game is set for 1 p.m.