The Bulldogs return a majority of their firepower in the midfield and up front for the 2019 campaign, while mixing in several talented newcomers who are expected to have an immediate impact.

Senior Brandon Guhl returns after leading the team with seven goals in 2018. He was named No. 61 on Top Drawer Soccer's preseason list of the Top 100 players in the country. He found the net 13 times as a sophomore in 2017 after spending his freshman campaign at SMU. The forward is one of the most efficient finishers in the BIG EAST.

"Brandon knows how to score goals; it's what he does," said head coach Paul Snape. "We need him to do that and provide leadership to this young but talented group."

Guhl will be joined by a young group of attackers who each possess the versatility to see minutes in either the midfield or as a forward.

Logan Lee found the net three times as a freshman a year ago. Newcomers Wilmer Cabrera, Jr., and Hemi Nasser have been impressive in the preseason. Cabrera, Jr., spent time with the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros of the USL on an Academy Amateur contract. Nasser helped the Flint City Bucks to the USL League 2 title over the summer.

"Logan has come a long way in a year," said Snape. "Wilmer is super talented and Hemi is only 17 but could have a big impact for us this year. We have the ability to utilize different formations with this group."

In the midfield, Jared Timmer earned a spot on the 2019 Preseason All-BIG EAST team. He started 17 matches in 2018. Timmer, who is a co-captain in 2019, was a 2016 All-BIG EAST First Team selection and a member of the 2015 BIG EAST All-Freshman Team. He missed a majority of the 2017 season due to injury before returning to action last season.

Derek Sutton, also a senior, has started 33 matches over the last two seasons. Jack Haywood was selected to the BIG EAST All-Freshman Team last season. His four assists tied for the team lead. Haywood made an immediate impact on set pieces.

"We have experience in the center with Jared and Derek," said Snape. "Jared has shown that he is an All-BIG EAST performer. Derek is growing and we expect big things this season. Jack has good skill and he's a competitor. He can help us both inside and out."

Jack Streberger redshirted the 2018 season, but will have a role this season. Eric Hollenkamp found the net once last season, one of 12 Bulldogs who scored goals in 2018. Ethan King has seen minutes up front in each of the past two seasons.

Depth will be provided by redshirt junior Maurice Thompson III, alongside returners Usman Gil Ivern and Michael Cohen. Jack Woods returns to Butler after spending the 2017 season on the Bulldogs roster.

Newcomers Tommy Visser and Kyle Hagerman join the fold for 2019.  

Of all the positions, the midfield is where Butler returns the most pieces from a year ago. If that group can be solid and create some chances for a young but talented front line, 2019 could be special season in Indianapolis.