Box Score With only 36 seconds remaining in the match, Garet Christianson's goal gave SIU-Edwardsville a 2-1 win over #19/21 Butler at the Butler Bowl Tuesday night. It was the first blemish on the Bulldogs' record as the team now stands at 6-1-3. The visiting Cougars improved to 6-3-1.
Christianson's goal came less than four minutes after Butler had tied the match on a
Jeff Adkins' penalty kick.
Vincent Mitchell was tackled in the box and Adkins converted the ensuing PK. It was the second goal of the year for the Butler senior.
Butler created a flurry of opportunities throughout the second half as SIUE sat back and fended off chances after taking a 1-0 lead just over three minutes into the match on Devyn Jambga's goal.
The Bulldogs did have a penalty kick in the closing minutes of the first half, but the attempt was stymied by Cougars' goalie Kyle Dal Santo. In the 62nd minute, Butler had a goal waved off as the Bulldogs were called offsides.
"We're disappointed to lose, but you have to give credit to SIUE, who worked as hard as any team we have faced this season," said Butler coach Paul Snape. "We were lackluster with our passing and our decision-making tonight and our opponent took it to us. We didn't adjust well.
"Tonight we were not sharp, but we still created some chances. We should have held on to force the game into overtime, but we'll learn from this. We've only lost once so far and we need to get back to the things that got us here."
The Bulldogs had a 16-7 advantage in shots, including 8-2 in the second half as Butler ramped up the attack. Adkins led the Bulldogs with four shots, followed by three from Eric Leonard. Keeper Eric Dick made two saves on the night for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs return to action Saturday, traveling to Georgetown for a noon match. The contest will air on BEDN and starts a stretch of seven consecutive BIG EAST matches to close out the regular season.
