Box Score Senior Vincent Mitchell netted his second game-winner of the week as Butler continued its strong play with a 2-0 win at Providence Saturday (Oct. 3) night. The BIG EAST win improved the Bulldogs' record to 6-0-3 overall and 2-0 in conference play. Providence is now 4-4-1 (0-2 BIG EAST).
Just over a minute into the second half, Mitchell broke a scoreless tie, out-running the Friars defense to control a ball down the right side of the field. He beat the Friars keeper to the short side from a tough angle, finding the bottom right corner.
Marco Charalambous served up the long ball to Mitchell.
The Bulldogs picked up an insurance goal 12 minutes later as Jeff Adkins served up a free kick that Eric Leonard headed toward the PC goal from just inside the 18. The ball caught the crossbar and came straight down. Kieran Geldenhuys headed in the ball just in front of the goal line for the first goal of his Butler career and a 2-0 lead.
The early second half offensive output came after the first half produced very few scoring chances for either team. The best scoring opportunity came in the 44th minute as Klisman Sousa did some work near the Butler goal to draw a corner kick. Julian Gressel served up the ensuing corner kick, which Sousa headed wide right.
Providence pressed its offensive attack in the final 10 minutes of the match and Butler's back line held. Senior captain Mike Kozielek blocked a shot from six yards out, freshman Joe Moulden cleared a ball from the goal line after keeper Eric Dick was drawn out. Dick made four saves on the night to record his fourth shutout of the season.
Thanks in large part to the late surge, Providence had a 12-11 advantage in shots and 6-5 on corner kicks.
The next home match for Butler is also the last non-conference match-up of the season when SIU-Edwardsville comes to the Butler Bowl Tuesday, Oct. 6. Butler returns to BIG EAST play at Georgetown Saturday, Oct. 10 at Noon.
