Butler suffers first loss but improves in rankings to No. 4

Butler Soccer (3-1-1) suffered their first loss of the season Sunday afternoon in a 3-2 game against No. 2 Tyler Junior College in Dallas, Texas.

On a windy Richland College field, the Grizzlies had a tough challenge to face playing a 2010 national finalist. Tyler took full advantage of the wind at their backs early in the game and netted the first two goals. The first strike came at the 7 minute mark from Katie Miller. The second goal was scored 15 minutes later by Bianca Norman off a pass from Staci Murray. The Grizzlies did not hang their heads and found the back of the net off a corner kick from Steph Bonilla (Garland, Texas). Bonilla's corner was taken out of the air by Natausha Sanchez (Dodge City, Kan.) and headed back to Perla Hernandez (Great Bend, Kan.) who put in the back of the net. Less then 5 minutes later Butler had the chance to equalize off a cross from Bonilla, but Alyssa Miller (Thornton, Colo.) barely missed sending her header over the cross bar. The score would remain 2-1 until the half with Butler putting up three shots to Tyler's seven.

The Grizzlies came out in the second half with the wind at their backs. In the first five minutes, Megan Snyder (Overland Park, Kan.) cranked a shot that went off the cross bar. The team celebrated the thought to be goal as the referee called it off. The game would continue at 2-1 with Butler controlling the majority of the play.

As the end neared, Butler pushed numbers forward. Despite the offensive effort, Tyler found the back of the goal with only five minutes left in the game to make it 3-1. Butler was not ready to give in. With only 15 seconds left in the game, Aisling Dyer (Ireland) put a free kick in the side netting to take the final score to 3-2. The hard fought physical game did not end in the Grizzlies favor, but not for lack of effort or perseverance.

The Grizzly defense was anchored by Dyer for the first 77 minutes of the game. Dyer left the goal with eight saves and two goals against. Mel Nuessen (Emporia KS) replaced Dyer late in the second half to give Butler an offensive advantage with her long punts. Nuessen made one save with one goal against.

The Grizzlies returned home from their road trip without a win, but their trip was well worth it. Playing quality teams to close games helped them improve their national ranking from No. 11 to No. 4, which is the highest ranking ever for the Butler soccer program. The team will get back to action this Thursday as they open Jayhawk Conference play against Cowley Community College in Arkansas City at 7:00 p.m.

For more information please contact Head Coach, Adam Hunter, at ahunter3@butlercc.edu