Butler and Akron played to a 2-2 draw after 110 minutes in Ohio Friday night. It marked the season opener for both programs, each ranked in the Top 10 nationally.

The Zips, ranked No. 4 nationally in the United Soccer Coaches poll, had more than 2,500 fans in attendance. Butler, ranked No. 9 nationally, was up to the challenge.

In the 12^th minute, freshman Louie Bulger scored the first goal of his Butler career, curving a free kick from just outside the box into the goal. Classmate Eric Conerty set up the play by drawing a foul.

Akron answered 12 minutes later as David Egbo scored off a Joe Korb assist. Egbo tallied again in the 44^th minute on a penalty kick to give the Zips a 2-1 halftime advantage.

The deficit could have been larger but Butler freshman keeper Gabriel Gjergji turned away a penalty kick a few minutes prior to the one Egbo converted.

The Bulldogs found the equalizer in the 60^th minute as Brandon Guhl scored off an Alex Lehtinen assist. Guhl led the BIG EAST a season ago with 13 goals. He was selected as the conference's Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.

The teams would trade a few chances over the final 50 minutes, including 20 minutes of extra time, before ending in a tie.

The host Zips held a 19-10 advantage in shots. Each team took seven corners. Egbo led all players with five shots.

Butler started four freshmen, including Gjergji in net. Two of Butler's three reserves to see action were also first-years.

The result in Akron is even more impressive for the Bulldogs as the Zips went a perfect 12-0 on their home field a season ago as they advanced to the 2017 College Cup national semifinals.

The Bulldogs return to action Monday night, hosting Drake at 6 p.m. at the Sellick Bowl.