The Bulldogs got 2019 off on the right foot, posting a 2-1 win over visiting Western Michigan Friday night at the Sellick Bowl in Indianapolis.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Butler picked up the pace in the second half to overcome a 1-0 halftime deficit. Western Michigan's Sam Biek netted a free kick from 20 yards out into the upper right 90 to give WMU a 1-0 lead in the 25^th minute.

The Bulldogs leveled the match less than six minutes into the second half as senior Brandon Guhl took a pass from Jack Haywood and was able to rip a shot from the right side of the box that got by Broncos keeper Lukas Von Lienen. The teams would trade possession over the next 30 minutes until the Bulldogs were able to string together several chances.

In the 85^th minute, freshman Wilmer Cabrera, Jr., was able to possess the ball into the top of the box. He was pulled down by a Broncos defender while still being able to get off a shot. He was awarded a penalty kick, and stepped up and deposited the game-winner.

OF NOTE

• The incredibly physical match included 43 fouls (29 by WMU) and four yellow cards.
• Cabrera's goal was the first of his Butler career.
• Cabrera joined classmates Perrin Barnes and Hemi Nasser in starting their first match in a Butler uniform. Junior college transfer Rhys Myers also got the start in his first match as a Bulldog.
• Butler took 12 shots on the night, while Western Michigan took nine.
• Sophomore keeper Gabriel Gjergji made five saves for the Bulldogs in picking up the win.
• Tonight's goal was the 21^st of Guhl's Butler career and moves him into tenth on Butler's career list.
• Cabrera led all players with five shots, including three on goal.
• Butler played Friday night without captains Jared Timmer and Alex Lehtinen. Both are working back from injuries sustained in the preseason.

UP NEXT

The Bulldogs continue a Labor Day weekend homestand by welcoming in-state rival Evansville to the Sellick Bowl Monday night at 7 p.m. The match will be streamed live on the Butler Bulldogs Facebook page.