The Valparaiso University men’s soccer team hit the road to kick off its 2015 Horizon League slate and came out of Detroit with a point, playing the Titans to a 0-0 draw Saturday afternoon.

“All things considered, it was a solid result today against Detroit,” said Crusader head coach Mike Avery. “They are a team that is in good form right now, are coming off a big win in the midweek at Michigan, and are looking to defend the Horizon League regular season title they shared with Oakland a year ago. It's hard to play good teams on the road, and we handled the game pretty well.”

A fairly even game statistically, the Crusaders were slightly out-shot by the Titans, 15-13. Detroit (3-2-3, 0-0-1 Horizon) placed five shots on goal to Valpo’s four, with both teams’ goalkeepers stopping all the attempts on frame. Nathan Steinwascher made four saves for the Titans, including two in the second overtime period – one of which was a big stop in the 106^th minute off a header from Jordan James (Hellshire, Jamaica/Wolmer’s Boys School). Meanwhile, junior Nico Campbell (Kingston, Jamaica/St. George’s College) tallied five saves in goal for the Crusaders, including three in extra time.

“The wind made the game a challenge for both sides, so I was proud of the way we survived the game's difficult moments, and we created several very good chances of our own,” said Avery. “Matthew Gweh had two very good looks, Suleiman Thomas hit one just inches past the post, and Jordan James put a well-taken shot on target in the second overtime with his head, that if not for a tremendous save would have won the match. We battled, played well in spots in a difficult day, and ultimately brought home an important point on the road.”

Valparaiso (2-2-2, 0-0-1 Horizon) steps out of Horizon League play for a mid-week contest at Western Michigan, which entered this week ranked no. 24 in the Top Drawer Soccer top-25 poll and has yet to allow a goal in its first five matches. Kickoff for the matchup between the Crusaders and the Broncos is slated for 3:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Sept. 23.

“We get a chance in the mid-week to go back on the road for the sixth time in seven games, and play a top-25 opponent in Western Michigan,” said Avery. “We are growing up, growing together, and tests like these can turn good teams into great teams. We are excited to play another good team.”