Late Dayton Goal Sends Butler to 3-2 Defeat

Butler University put together one of its strongest attacking performances of the young season Saturday, but a late Dayton goal spoiled the Bulldogs’ bid for their first victory as the Flyers rallied for a 3-2 win.

Butler struck almost immediately. Brendan Cunningham opened the scoring in the fourth minute, giving the Bulldogs a 1-0 advantage with his first goal of the season.

Dayton answered in the 14th minute when Pablo Martinez scored his second goal of the year off an assist from Felix Buabeng, leveling the match at one.

The Bulldogs regained the lead in the 25th minute. Luca Raso scored his first goal of the season, with Oscar Dawber providing the assist, putting Butler back in front 2-1.

Dayton found another equalizer just before halftime. Martinez struck again in the 43rd minute, this time assisted by Antonio Pinto and Uri Koffi, sending the teams into the break tied 2-2.

That score held for most of the second half despite chances at both ends. Butler ultimately finished with a 22-19 advantage in shots, including a 9-6 edge in shots on goal, and also held a 7-6 advantage in corner kicks.

The decisive moment came in the 87th minute. Cooper Lijewski scored his third goal of the season off an assist from Martinez, giving Dayton its first lead of the night at 3-2. Butler was unable to find a third equalizer over the remaining minutes.

Despite the loss, the Bulldogs forced Dayton’s goalkeeper into six saves, while Butler recorded three. Martinez proved to be the difference for the Flyers, finishing with two goals and an assist.

Butler falls to 0-6-1 on the season, while Dayton improves to 4-1-1.