Box Score

Butler celebrated Senior Night with a 2-1 victory over Marquette, which also clinched the Bulldogs a spot in the upcoming BIG EAST Tournament. The Bulldogs will jockey for seeding Thursday night in the final contest of the regular season for all BIG EAST teams. With tonight's win, Butler improves to 10-5-1 overall and 5-3 in BIG EAST play. Marquette is now 4-7-4 (1-5-2). Butler entered the match ranked No. 15 nationally.
 
"I told our guys tonight that the best way for us to honor our seniors is to go out and get a win," said Butler coach Paul Snape. "I'm really proud of the effort. Our seniors have given a lot to this program, and they have really helped us rise in the BIG EAST. I'm honored to be their coach, not just because of what they do on the field, but because of what they do in the classroom and within our Butler community."
 
David Goldsmith scored the game-winner in the 66^th minute. Jared Timmer played a long ball to Michael Peay just inside the box on the right side. The sophomore quickly collected it and crossed the ball in front of the box. Goldsmith was able to put it in for his league-leading 11^th goal of the season. It was Timmer's second assist of the evening.
 
"This wasn't our best performance of the year, but it shows the grit that our team has," said Goldsmith. "This is a big result for us and a lot of guys contributed. We know Thursday is going to be a tough match; it always is on the road at Xavier, but we're really happy with tonight's result."
 
The Bulldogs out-shot Marquette, 15-8, led by four from Lewis Suddick. All of Suddick's chances came in the first half, and he was able to convert one to tie the match. Marquette had taken a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute when Diego Nunez intercepted a Butler pass that was intended for its back line. Nunez took a few touches and then fired a shot to the top half of the goal.
 
Suddick responded 10 minutes later. A Timmer shot was saved by Golden Eagles keeper Luis Barraza, but the rebound came to Suddick in front of the vacated goal. He put in his eighth goal of the season.
 
In a match that saw momentum swings and quick attacks, Marquette almost was able to put together some heroics in the final seconds. Eerily similar to Wednesday's double overtime loss in the closing seconds, Butler was called for a foul just outside its box with 15 seconds to go. As the clock ran, Marquette tried to quickly organize and sent a ball into the box. Luke Prpa was able to get a foot on it, guiding it just inside the left post. Butler defender Kieran Geldenhuys was there able to make a diving stop for a team save just as the final horn blew.
 
Goldsmith, Alex Lehtinen, Timmer, and Isaac Galliford each had two shots for Butler. Eric Dick made three saves to post his tenth win of the season.
 
Prior to the match, Butler recognized its six seniors, who played their final regular season contest at the Butler Bowl. Goldsmith, A. R. Smith, Charlie Constantino, Tanner Witsken, Mitch Ostrowski, and Robert Flott hope to have another match at home based on where they finish in the BIG EAST Tournament seedings. Butler clinched a spot in the six-team field with Saturday's win. They could climb as high as the top seed based on certain scenarios that could play out Thursday when they travel to Xavier for the regular season finale.
 
Thursday's match will be streamed live on the BIG EAST Digital Network.