After battling for over 94 scoreless minutes, #25 Butler got a goal in overtime to earn a 1-0 victory over UIC in the season opener.  The Flames turned away several Bulldog chances late in the second half, but Jared Timmer converted a header off a free kick in the 95^th minute to give Butler the win.

Game Headlines

• Flames Establish Pace: After Butler controlled possession for the first several minutes, the Flames created some offensive opportunities culminating in a shot on goal by Jose Fuentes.  Later, Oscar Gonzalez ripped a blistering attempt from inside the box that was saved.
• Jackman Keeps it Scoreless: Sawyer Jackman dove to his right to make a crucial save on a shot from the top of the 18 yard box.  Joel Leon and Ricardo Vega made plays off Butler corner kicks to prevent further chances.
• "I'm very pleased with the guys' effort tonight," head coach Sean Phillips commented.  "I challenged them with an away game at a top 25 team in a tough environment, and we went toe to toe with that group."
• Todd Removed After Yellow Card: Max Todd was aggressive in the final third, making himself available when UIC sent the ball in.  His aggressiveness continued when a Butler player fell on the ball as Todd played on trying to win possession.  He was shown a yellow card and subbed out, but would return to start the second half.
• Butler Adds Pressure: The Bulldogs challenged UIC throughout the first stages of the second half, but the Flames' defense was up to the challenge.  Consecutive corner kicks were rendered harmless, and later the Flames' back line sacrificed their bodies to block Butler shots.
• Flames Miss Opportunities: Midway through the second half, Max Todd received a centering pass from Jose Fuentes, but sent his attempt well high.  Later, Jesus Perez dribbled in along the goal line only to have Butler's keeper take control of the ball.
• Phillips noted, "Both teams had chances in regulation to win it, but the final pass or the final moment for each team was a bit off, which is often the case this early in the season.  If we can build off this performance and build on the positives while learning from the negatives, we'll be in a good place as the season goes on."
• Late Drama in Flames' End: Doing whatever it took to deny Butler, the Flames granted the Bulldogs four consecutive corner kicks and kept the ball away from Jackman each time.  In the 89^th minute, the Bulldogs created a clean opportunity for a header, which Jackman got a hand on to make the save.
• Bulldogs Punch in Game-Winner: Butler took a free kick five minutes into overtime and sent the ball in from 20 yards.  Jared Timmer slipped behind the defense and redirected the ball into the net to give Butler the win.
• Speaking of the game's final sequence, Phillips said, "As is often the case in games like this one between two high quality, competitive teams, a little moment turns the play.  Butler made that play tonight and they deserve credit for a hard-fought win."

Facts and Figures

• The Flames took no corner kicks in the first half, but earned five in the second half.
• Butler outshot UIC 16-14, but each team had only three shots on goal until Butler's overtime score.
• Oscar Gonzalez had a team high four shots.
• The Flames' shots on goal came from Gonzalez, Perez, and Fuentes (one each).
• Eric Leonard figured prominently in Butler's attack, getting off seven shots to lead all players, with one on goal.
• Butler took a yellow card in the 83^rd minute when Brandon Guhl fouled Perez from behind.
• This was the ninth straight meeting between the clubs that was a draw or a one-goal game.
• UIC is winless against Butler in the last eight encounters, with two draws and six losses, two of which came in overtime.

Up Next

• The Flames host crosstown rival DePaul in the home opener Sunday.
• The match against the Blue Demons will get under way at 7:00 pm.
• "Our challenge now is to get rested and get ready to open up at home and give a good performance to our home fans," Phillips concluded.