Eastern Michigan Athletics
Sunday, August 16
Detroit, Mich.
1 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
at
Detroit Mercy
Photo by: Walt Middleton Photography
Soccer Seeking Back-to-Back Wins to Open 2026 Season, at Detroit Mercy Sunday
8/14/2026 4:30:00 PM | Soccer
EMU and UDM set for 1 p.m. start Sunday
| Soccer at Detroit Mercy | |
| Date | Sunday, Aug. 16 at 1 p.m. |
| Venue | Titan Field | Detroit, Mich. |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes (PDF) |
| Watch | Watch |
| Live Stats | Live Stats |
| @EMUSoccer | @EMUAthletics | |
DETROIT, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University (1-0) makes the short trip to Detroit to face the University of Detroit Mercy (0-1) Sunday, Aug. 16, in the 24th meeting between the metro-area foes.
The Eagles seek to ride the momentum of a 3-1 opener over Duquesne while the Titans look to rebound after a 6-0 setback at Kentucky.
ON THE AIR: Coverage details and live stats links will be posted on the EMU women's soccer schedule page at EMUEagles.com. In-game updates will be available on X/Twitter via @EMUSoccer.
QUICK KICKS: EMU opened 2026 with a 3-1 win over Duquesne, powered by goals from newcomer Christie Fransen, returner Kaylee Synk, and newcomer Madison Hurst. Playmaker Rosalie Takacsy tallied two assists in the opener; Aniyah Mack added one helper. Goalkeeper Ella Holland made four saves against Duquesne; the lone goal conceded came via penalty. Detroit Mercy dropped its opener at Kentucky, 6-0; senior GK Eva Hill recorded seven saves as the Titans were outshot, with freshman Samantha Sackfield logging the team's lone shot on goal. Eastern leads the all-time series 10-9-4; the most recent official meeting was a 1-0 EMU win in 2019, part of a two-match streak (2018, 2019).
MATCHUP OVERVIEW: The crosstown clash returns to Detroit with EMU at 1-0 after a three-goal debut and Detroit Mercy at 0-1 following a difficult road test in the SEC. The Eagles hold a narrow 10-9-4 edge in a series dating to 1995 and have won the last two official meetings, including a 1-0 decision in 2019.
BALANCED ATTACK DRIVES EASTERN: Three different goal scorers opened their accounts in the Duquesne win (Fransen, Synk, Hurst), underscoring a diversified front. Takacsy's two-assist performance and Mack's service added multiple playmaking outlets that can stress a Titans back line that faced heavy volume in its opener.
TITANS LEAN ON THE BACK LINE: Detroit Mercy's senior goalkeeper Eva Hill (7 saves at Kentucky) and veteran defender Leila Lanier (team-high 87 minutes) anchor a unit that will aim to tighten the shape after the opener. Limiting second-chance looks and transition moments will be central to the Titans' response.
KEYS TO THE GAME: EMU's depth and ball circulation in the final third must continue, with multiple providers creating high-quality chances. Discipline around set pieces and in the box—after conceding only on a penalty last time out—remains vital. For the hosts, early defensive organization and composure in a rivalry setting could dictate tempo.
PLAYERS TO WATCH — EASTERN: Newcomer Christie Fransen jump-started the season with the opener at Duquesne, while returner Kaylee Synk and newcomer Madison Hurst added insurance. Returner Rosalie Takacsy (two assists) is a key connector, and veteran goalkeeper Ella Holland (four saves) commands a back line that allowed no open-play goals.
PLAYERS TO WATCH — DETROIT MERCY: Senior GK Eva Hill's shot-stopping will be tested again, and senior defender Leila Lanier's leadership is central to the Titans' shape. Up front, freshman Samantha Sackfield delivered the team's lone shot on target at Kentucky, while graduate forward Avery Mondoux registered a shot in her Titan debut.
OUTLOOK: Expect a spirited, physical metro matchup early in the season. With multi-source scoring and a sturdy defensive showing in the opener. Detroit Mercy's resilience at home should keep margins tight, but the Eagles' attacking rhythm points to a narrow road result.
FOLLOW ALONG: For the latest news and in-game updates, follow Eastern Michigan Soccer on X/Twitter and Instagram at @EMUSoccer and on Facebook at Eastern Michigan Soccer.
UP NEXT: Eastern continues non-conference play next week. For dates, opponents, and coverage links, visit the full schedule at EMUEagles.com.
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