AKRON, Ohio - The Butler men's soccer team earned its first point in BIG EAST competition by securing a 0-0 draw on the road at No. 6 Akron. The match represented the first conference contest for both the Bulldogs (0-6-2, 0-0-1 BIG EAST) and the Zips (4-0-2, 0-0-1 BIG EAST).
On the Record with Head Coach Ian Sarachan
"Incredibly proud of the group tonight. They dug in and got a result against one of the best teams in the country, on the road. The effort from our entire group was tremendous, especially our back line. It's a great way to start BIG EAST play and set the tone for the rest of the season. These are the types of performances that tell you a lot about what your team is made of – how bad they want it. While there is still work to do, we're heading in the right direction. Our whole focus now is on going to Providence next week to get a result."
Key Moments
- 24' | A Butler throw-in from left side lands in the area and is skipped on to the right side. A short chip finds Luca Raso in front of the goal, but his header from seven yards sails just over the bar.
- 33' | Hayden Neale shoots from 25 yards forcing a diving save at the right post by the Akron keeper. It is the first shot of the night, by either side, that is on target.
- 37' | An Akron corner is headed to the arc, but it is then served back into the area. A volley from near the spot is saved by Butler keeper Brooks Boersma.
- 41' | Boersma must make back-to-back saves in a matter of seconds. He blocks a deflected shot from 15 yards and then immediately collects a header from 13.
-- HALFTIME --
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- 60' | An Akron attempt from 25 yards forces Boersma to punch the ball over the bar.
- 65' | Akron's keeper comes out of the area to challenge Butler's Neale. A foul results in a free kick from 20 yards. Jaden Hancock's shot goes wide of the left post.
- 88' | The Zips shoot from the 18, but it is saved and deflected. An immediate shot from inside the six is blocked by Butler's Kiel Higginson.
Bulldog Bits
- Boersma made eight saves, picking up his second shutout of the season.
- Butler's most recent draw against a team ranked as high as Akron was in 2019 when the Bulldogs tied No. 3 Georgetown in double overtime.
- Butler also produced a draw with Akron in 2018 when the Zips were ranked No. 4. The 2-2 result came in double overtime.Â
Up Next
Butler will complete the final leg of the current four-game road trip with a match at Providence on Saturday, Sept. 26.
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