Soccer teams stumble early

The Detroit Mercy men’s and women’s soccer teams are well underway, although both Titan teams have struggled early on.

The men’s team has yet to record a win at 0-2-3, while the women’s team is 2-5 after their most recent loss Sunday to Michigan State University.

The women’s team recorded wins over Sam Houston State during the University of Texas tournament, and Northwood University at Titan Field. The Titans were tripped up by Baylor, Central Michigan, Bowling Green, Toledo and the University of Texas in Austin.

Senior Anna Mindling leads the team with four goals, while junior Suzie Redick, sophomore Carly Fiorido and junior Phylisha Drayton have all scored one goal each.

The Titans open up Horizon League play this Friday against Wright State.

Men’s Coach Nicholas Deren said the team suffered from a “difficult pre-season due to a number of injuries to players who are not easily replaced.”

As a result, the team has yet to record a win, with losses to Marshall and Elon and ties against Pittsburgh, High Point and Valparaiso.

 “Our goal is to finish within the top four of the Horizon League and to advance in the Horizon League tournament” Deren said.

Although pre-season play has not gone as smoothly as previous seasons Deren considers conference play as a “completely separate season than the non-conference schedule.”

He has hopes that the players out with injuries will return to make a powerful impact on the team to fulfill their team goals for Horizon League play. The Titans will head back home to play on the Titan field against Cleveland State September 17.