Butler Rallies Past Western Michigan 2-1 in Dramatic Home Opener
Bulldogs Strike Twice in Final 15 Minutes to Overcome Broncos' Equalizer
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Butler University pulled off a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Western Michigan on Thursday evening, with substitute Luca Raso breaking the deadlock in the 84th minute before Aiden Benitez sealed the dramatic triumph with a stoppage-time winner.
The Bulldogs controlled the early proceedings at their home venue, registering the match's first meaningful attempts through blocked efforts from Vygo Verkooijen and Adam Watson in the opening quarter-hour. Butler's persistence nearly paid dividends when Kiel Higginson fired over the crossbar from close range following sustained pressure.
Western Michigan weathered the early storm and found their rhythm as the first half progressed. The Broncos capitalized on a corner kick opportunity in the 77th minute when Piero Sabroso rose unmarked to hammer home a precise header into the bottom right corner, giving the visitors a crucial advantage against the run of play.
Butler responded immediately with tactical adjustments, introducing fresh legs through multiple substitutions. The moves proved inspired as the Bulldogs ramped up their attacking intensity in the final stages.
The equalizer arrived in the 84th minute through substitute Luca Raso, who tucked away a composed finish into the bottom left corner to level the proceedings. The goal capped a sustained period of Butler pressure that had seen Western Michigan goalkeeper Alex Lindewirth forced into several crucial interventions.
Drama reached fever pitch in the dying moments when Western Michigan earned a penalty kick in the 90th minute. Sabroso stepped up seeking his second goal, but Butler keeper Aurie Briscoe produced a magnificent save to preserve the deadlock, diving to his right to turn away the spot kick.
The penalty save proved pivotal as Butler immediately transitioned into attack mode. With Western Michigan pushing numbers forward desperately seeking a winner, the Bulldogs found space on the counter. Benitez capitalized ruthlessly in the 98th minute, rifling a clinical strike into the bottom right corner to complete the stunning turnaround.
The statistical battle remained tight throughout, with Butler edging the shot count 15-12 while forcing Lindewirth into six saves compared to four for Briscoe. The Bulldogs' superior corner kick tally of 5-3 reflected their territorial advantage, though Western Michigan's clinical finishing kept them in contention until the dramatic finale.
Butler's victory was built on tactical flexibility and mental resilience. The Bulldogs absorbed early pressure, maintained their composure after falling behind, and showed tremendous character to capitalize on their opportunities when they arose. The introduction of fresh attacking options proved crucial in overwhelming Western Michigan's defensive structure.
For the Broncos, this represented a cruel defeat after taking the lead through Sabroso's excellent header. Their inability to see out the victory despite earning a penalty in stoppage time will serve as a harsh lesson in game management.
The match showcased the unpredictable nature of college soccer, where momentum shifts can occur rapidly and set pieces often prove decisive. Butler's ability to strike twice in the final 15 minutes demonstrated the importance of sustained pressure and clinical finishing in crucial moments.
Key Players
- Luca Raso (Butler) - Substitute striker converted the crucial equalizer in the 84th minute to spark Butler's comeback - Aurie Briscoe (Butler) - Goalkeeper made the match-defining penalty save in stoppage time before Butler's winner - Piero Sabroso (Western Mich.) - Midfielder struck home the opening goal with a powerful header but missed the crucial penalty