Box Score
The Butler women's soccer team blanked the Michigan State Spartans 3-0 in an aggressive match-up Thursday evening at the Sellick Bowl.
"The response off the back of (Wisconsin) game was excellent," said coach
Rob Alman. "I think that really set the tone for tonight. We came out on the front foot and started the game very, very well. Very pleased with the performance, especially the goals that we scored tonight. All three were very well worked, very well crafted goals, which is actually something we have been working on in practice and since the start of preseason."Â
The Bulldogs move to 4-1-0 on the year and give the Spartans their first loss of the season, dropping to 4-1-0, as well.
How It Happened:
The Spartans best chance came early on in the 10
th minute of the match, as
Stephanie Rodriguez made a diving save to stop Camyrn Evan's top left shot attempt for Michigan State.
The Bulldogs jumped on the scoreboard in the 19
th minute, as current BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week,
Macy Miller, set up
Anja Savich for Butler's first goal of the night.
Miller went on to net her own goal in the 27
th minute of play, off an assist from
Katie Soderstrom, putting the Bulldogs up 2-0.
The score would remain there through halftime and several minutes of aggressive play by both teams. The Spartans reached deep into their bench, utilizing twelve subs throughout the match in an attempt to stop the Bulldogs offense, but their effort would be in vain.
Butler sealed the deal with one final goal, as Soderstrom got an easy set-up from freshman
Gretchen Skoglund to make the score 3-0.Â
The Bulldogs defense worked to limit the Spartans to two shots-on-goal and six shots total, deflecting and blocking a majority, as Rodriguez tallied two saves.
Stats So Far:
- Soderstrom, who was tied for third in the NCAA in total assists prior to tonight's game, now has six on the season, which will move her to second nationally.
- Soderstrom leads the conference in assists (6) and points (12).
- Soderstrom and Savich both nailed their third goal of the season; they remain tied for the team lead.
- Miller backed her conference offensive player of the week honor by netting her second goal of the season and grabbing her fourth assist.
- Skoglund claimed her second career and season assist.
Up Next:
The Bulldogs travel back to Wisconsin on Sunday (September 8), this time to battle former Horizon League rival, Milwaukee. The Panthers were undefeated last year in conference, taking home the league championship. Milwaukee recorded only two losses in 2018: one to BIG EAST member Marquette, and the other in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to No. 7 Santa Clara.
Butler will return to Indianapolis for a two-game home stint, taking on another Big Ten team in Illinois on September 12 and Kent State on September 15.
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