Sylvain's Clutch Goal Lifts Detroit Mercy Past Northern Kentucky

Jonathan Turner
Oct 6
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

DETROIT, Mich. — Senior forward Guershom Sylvain delivered in the clutch, scoring the game-winner in the 85th minute to lift Detroit Mercy past Northern Kentucky, 2-1, in Horizon League play Saturday night at Titan Field.

The victory marked a critical conference win for the Titans (5-5-1, 2-2 HL), who have now won back-to-back matches. Junior Drew Pierson opened the scoring with a first-half penalty kick, his second straight game finding the net from the spot, while junior goalkeeper Quinn Tews earned his first career win, making four key saves.

Early Advantage

Detroit Mercy jumped ahead early after Northern Kentucky (2-6-3, 0-2-2 HL) was whistled for a handball inside the box just six minutes into the contest. Pierson calmly converted from the spot to put the Titans up 1-0, a lead that held through halftime behind a disciplined defensive performance.

Adversity and Response

Momentum shifted early in the second half when the Titans were reduced to 10 men following a red card in the 57th minute. Despite the disadvantage, Detroit Mercy’s back line held strong until the 75th minute when NKU capitalized on a penalty kick to level the score at 1-1.

But Sylvain had the final say. In the 85th minute, he broke free on a counterattack, slipping past one defender before splitting two more in the box and finishing a composed shot into the lower left corner past NKU goalkeeper Alex Kron.

Up Next

Detroit Mercy heads west for a non-conference matchup at Western Michigan on Wednesday, October 9, with kickoff set for 4 p.m. in Kalamazoo.

Following the trip, the Titans return home for Alumni Weekend in Rochester, highlighted by a Metro Series rivalry clash against Oakland.