INDIANAPOLIS - The Butler men's soccer team produced a thrilling, last-second victory over Western Michigan, scoring with a mere seven seconds on the clock. The Bulldogs (2-3-0) and the Broncos (1-4-0) each scored a goal in the first half, and it looked as if the game would end in a draw. But as time was running out, Butler gained possession of the ball, connected on a couple of passes, and set up the game winner for freshman Aiden Benitez.
 
Key Moments

• 30' | Josemir Gomez carries down the right side and hits a hard cross. It deflects slightly off a Western Michigan defender and is collected, right in front of the goal, by Luca Raso. Raso quickly punches it past the keeper for a 1-0 lead.
• 43' | A Western Michigan corner from the left side is headed at the near post and finds its way into the net at the far post. The match is level, at 1-1.

        HALFTIME

• 56' | Western Michigan is awarded a penalty kick after a foul in the penalty area. The attempt is knocked down and saved by Aurie Briscoe, but it falls right in front of the goal. A second shot, from point-blank range, is also saved by Briscoe.
• 90' | With under 20 seconds on the clock, a ball is headed forward by the Broncos on the right side. Vygo Verkooijen, in the defensive line, heads the ball in the opposite direction and across the midfield line. Gomez is under the ball and chests it toward the middle of the field where Aiden Benitez is sprinting forward. Benitez beats a defender to the ball and touches it forward, toward the penalty area. The Western Michigan keeper charges out, but Benitez shoots underneath his outstretched arm. The ball rolls into the net, with seven seconds on the clock, and the Bulldogs have a one-goal lead.

Butler Points Summary
GOALS: Luca Raso, Aiden Benitez
ASSISTS: Josemir Gomez (2), Vygo Verkooijen

Bulldog Bits

• Luca Raso's goal was his first of the season and the second of his career.
• The goal from Aiden Benitez was his second this season.
• Josemir Gomez notched his first two assists of the season and now has four as a Bulldog.
• Vygo Verkooijen's assist was his first this season and the second of his career.
• Aurie Briscoe matched his season high of four saves in the match and now has 12 this season.

Up Next
Butler travels to Pittsburgh for its first road match of the regular season. The Bulldogs will face the No. 10 Panthers on Monday, September 8.