Valparaiso opened its 2010 Horizon League slate on Sunday at Titan Field in Detroit, Mich., but ended up on the short end of a 2-0 setback against the Titans of Detroit.

The Titans started the scoring early, finding the back of the net just five minutes into the match.  Kaitlyn Quarrell served a cross from the end line across the goal box and Sarah Dzuris connected on the receiving end for her third goal of the season.

“We you are on the road in conference play and give away a goal in the first five minutes you make it tough on yourself,” head coach John Marovich said.  “You then have to chase the game and unfortunately we were never able to get the tying goal.”

Valpo trailed just 1-0 at halftime despite being outshot 8-2 during the first 45 minutes. 

The Crusaders put more pressure on the Titans in the second half, but could not find the back of the net.  Valpo outshot Detroit 5-4 in the stanza, and forced Titan netminder Nora Abolins to make a pair of saves.

Detroit (4-3-3, 1-0 Horizon) added an insurance goal with 16:05 to play as Lauren Roffey picked up a loose ball rebound in front of the net following a save by Crusader goalkeeper Kristen Manski (Saint Charles, Ill./North H.S.).

“We came out the second half attacking a little more, but they got that goal late,” Marovich added.  “We now just have to be ready to come back out next Friday and Sunday.”

The Titans finished the match with a 12-7 shot advantage while both Manski and Abolins made three saves each.  Both sides had four corner kick opportunities on the afternoon as well.

Valparaiso (4-4-3, 0-1) has wrapped up its four-match road trip and will return to Eastgate Field on Friday afternoon to host Loyola (Chicago).  Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.

Match Notes: Not one Crusader had more than one shot attempt on the afternoon … Valpo has yet to win a Horizon League opener since joining the conference in 2007 … Detroit leads the all-time series 5-2.