Bobby Mo Goal-plosion: Robert Morris scoring outburst tops Detroit Mercy, 5-2, in Horizon League opener

“It was good to see our team attack well and score goals. We need to keep improving each week so we can get better as the season progresses. We look forward to the opportunity to be back at the NAC next week.”  — Head Coach Jonathan Potter

The message was sent early, and it was sent loudly. Opening Horizon League action on Wednesday afternoon, the Robert Morris Men’s Soccer team unleashed a relentless, high-pressing attack to dismantle Detroit Mercy 5-2 at Titan Field.

The victory extends the Colonials’ unbeaten streak to five matches (4-0-1)—tying the longest streak under head coach Jonathan Potter—while boosting RMU to 4-1-1 overall and a 1-0 start in conference play. The five-goal outburst marks RMU’s most potent offensive conference performance since a 5-0 routing of Green Bay in October 2024.

RMU controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, generating four shot attempts in the first 10 minutes—including a Tayshaun Reid header that rattled off the woodwork.

The breakthrough arrived in the 13th minute off a textbook transition sequence. Midfielder Nicholas Samways unpicked the Titans’ backline, sliding a precise lead pass into open space for Anelson Azard. The junior forward rounded the rushing keeper with a smooth touch and slotted home his first of the afternoon.

RMU doubled its advantage in the 30th minute off a clever short corner routine. Oscar Bech served an inswinging ball across the area, where Pittsburgh native John Krug controlled the touch and ripped a clean volley into the back of the net for his first career collegiate goal.

Five minutes later, the set-piece clinic continued. Senior midfielder Storm Johansen whipped a pinpoint cross into the box, allowing defender Filip Jeppesen to rise above his marker and head home his first goal in a Colonial shirt—which ultimately held up as the game-winner.

Azard put the match virtually out of reach in the 56th minute. A crisp build-up sequence through the central channel between Riley Cotton and Krug set up Azard right in front of goal, where the Haitian striker redirected his second of the match to make it 4-0. The brace marks Azard’s second consecutive multi-goal performance, making him the first Colonial to net four goals across a two-game span since Chase Gilley accomplished the feat in 2022.

After Detroit Mercy’s Thero Mitchell III pulled one back in the 60th minute, RMU responded two minutes later to slam the door. Jonah Geike ignited a drive down the right wing, finding Krug who quickly laid it off for Cotton. Cotton beat his defender off the dribble and curled an exquisite finish into the far corner to make it 5-1.

Nick Kamugunga added a late consolation goal for the Titans with five minutes remaining, but the Colonials comfortably saw out the remaining minutes.

Senior keeper Josh Lane earned his fourth victory of the season in 74 minutes of work before handoff duties to junior Christopher Lewis, who made his collegiate debut in relief.

Inside the Box Score

• Shots (On Goal): RMU held a 15-8 advantage (5-2 on target).

• Corners: Tied at 5-5.

• Fouls & Cards: RMU 16, Detroit Mercy 10 (2 yellow cards per side).

• Ironman: Defender Tayshaun Reid was the lone Colonial to play all 90 minutes.

• Playmakers: John Krug (1G, 2A) and Riley Cotton (1G, 1A) registered multi-point afternoons, while Storm Johansen picked up two assists.

Up Next

The Colonials step back into non-conference action on Monday, September 14, hosting Mercyhurst at the North Athletic Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM ET with live coverage on ESPN+.