PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Butler men's soccer team secured its third victory in its most recent four contests, defeating Providence on the road 3-1. The Bulldogs never trailed, as all four goals in the match were scored in the first half.
Both
Luca Raso and
Finn Moran notched a goal and dished out an assist in the match.
With the win, Butler moves to 3-8-3 and 3-2-2 in BIG EAST competition, while the Friars dropped to 5-7-3 and 0-5-2 in league play.
Butler is now in the third spot in the BIG EAST Midwest Division. With one match remaining for all conference members, the Bulldogs are one point behind division leaders Akron and Creighton. All possible scenarios for postseason qualification can be found at
Scenario Central on the BIG EAST website.
Tonight's contest was originally scheduled for Sept. 26 but was postponed due to the weather.
On the Record with Head Coach Ian Sarachan
"So proud of this group. To get three points at a tough place to play is a huge testament to the mentality our group approached the game with. We played with the type of intensity and commitment that is needed to get results in the BIG EAST. We have a lot to play for Friday night, and this time of year, that's all you can ask for. We need the support of the Butler community to help urge our guys on at Sellick on Friday!" Sarachan added, "And huge credit to our assistant coach Guillermo Laguna for getting our guys dialed in on the attacking set pieces. Three goals in two games from corner kicks, and we are becoming a real threat on goal in a multitude of ways."
Key Moments
- 2' | Butler's Lou-Kent Bosc sends in a cross from the left side, and Providence attempts to clear with a header. Raso gathers the ball and nutmegs a defender with a low shot into the right side of the net. The Bulldogs take a very early lead.
- 8' | Providence quickly responds, leveling the score with a 25-yard goal from Jeremy Munoz with slide just under the crossbar.
- 19' | Brendan Cunningham attempts to chip the ball over the Friars' keeper, from just outside the area, but a leaping save ends the threat.
- 26' | Raso carries down the middle of the pitch toward the area. He slides a ball to the right and finds Moran. Moran's shot from 12 yards goes under the outstretched arm of the keeper and lands just inside the far post. Butler again has a one-goal lead.
- 31' | The Bulldogs strike again! This time Moran serves from the right corner flag into the goal box. Max Klein is there, shielding the Providence keeper, and he redirects the ball with his head into the back of the net. Butler takes a 3-1 lead.
-- HALFTIME –
- 64' | Providence serves into the area from the left side. The ball is knocked around and lands at the feet of Alvaro Maneiro, but his hard shot from eight yards is saved by Brooks Boersma.
Butler Points Summary
GOALS: Raso, Moran, Klein
ASSISTS: Moran, Raso
Bulldog Bits
- Raso's goal was his second this season and the fifth of his career. His assist was his third of the season and his fourth as a Bulldog.
- Moran's goal was his fourth this season. In the past four matches, he has been credited with three game-winning goals, and he has produced at least three points in three of the four contests.
- Klein's goal was his third this season and of his career. It was his second goal in as many matches.
- This was the second consecutive match in which the Bulldogs scored three goals.
- Boersma made four saves in the match, bringing his season total to 51.
Up Next
Butler hosts Xavier on Friday in the final match on the regular season schedule. Kickoff in the Sellick Bowl is set for 7 p.m.
