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The backbone of a good offensive attack is a strong defensive foundation.
This proved true as the Michigan men’s soccer team (3-0-1) set this to display Friday, defending its home field in its 2-0 victory over Detroit Mercy (1-4-0).
Early on, the Wolverines were content taking a patient approach. Looking to maintain possession and prevent counter attacks, Michigan played calmly through its defense. The Titans’ forwards allowed the Wolverines to play at their desired pace, failing to create much of a press. This allowed Michigan to scan the field and connect on multiple passes.
Lacking urgency, the Wolverines posed no threat in the early going. Meanwhile, the Titans game plan revolved around the counter attack. They used this to their advantage, recording the first shot of the game at the 13th minute.
After a conservative start, Michigan began to push while playing through its defensive core, often sending midfielders on runs along the outside. There were few connections with these passes — regardless, play began to shift into the Wolverines attacking third as they moved effectively without the ball.
Momentum fully swung into Michigan’s favor when it added some fresh legs to the field as sophomore midfielder Joao Paulo Ramos and senior defenseman Jason Buckner entered around the 30th minute. The move instantly looked encouraging as the Wolverines substitutions helped push the pace on the attack.
“I think the change in the team was when we brought in Joao and Jason,” Michigan coach Chaka Daley said. “Those guys impacted the group and helped us connect the dots a little more.”
Following the substitution, Michigan looked to break the stalemate as graduate forward Beto Soto sent a pass over the middle toward the box. Junior defenseman Nolan Miller got a foot on it and suddenly it was just him and the Detroit goalkeeper. Miller sent a strike that reached the back of the net for the game’s first goal.
Miller had been a catalyst on the defensive end all night long, often leading attacks. He proved his dynamic ability as he turned defense into offense to record his first goal in nearly two years.
“I’m happy because I had a little year break from goals,” Miller said. “Hopefully it’s just one of many this year.”
Still, even with the lead, there was little room for comfort for the Wolverines. Halftime adjustments needed to be made as it became clear that the Titans were going to come out aggressive. The Titans made a bit of a statement, developing multiple scoring opportunities. But Michigan’s defense buckled down, thwarting renewed Titan attacks.
Even with the lead, Michigan carried offensive momentum into the second half as they spent more time in the attacking third. In the 56th minute, the Wolverines quickly moved the ball up the field. As the defense continued to dominate possession, a rare quick strike put them up 2-0, adding a significant insurance goal.
While playing from behind, Detroit played much of the second half at an increased pace. The Titans looked to utilize their speed in space, but the Wolverines continued to stand their ground as they had all night.
Detroit strung together some solid passes and found themselves on the attack. They had a chance with five minutes left to cut the deficit in half, but Edwards had other plans, denying a shot that would’ve ended his shutout.
Even with the Titans adjusting well and playing a better second half, the Wolverines did enough to keep Detroit off the board, largely due to its controlled defensive play — a continued emphasis from Daley.
“It’s important. It’s a mentality,” Daley said. “Team defending is a mentality and I wouldn’t say we were brilliant defensively, but I think we did enough tonight.”
After finishing its nonconference schedule unbeaten, Michigan will look to continue the defensive mentality that was on display Friday.
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