SIUE Hands No. 19/21 Butler First Loss

October 6, 2015

NDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – SIUE men's soccer knocked No. 19/21 Butler from the ranks of the unbeaten, knocking off the Bulldogs 2-1 Tuesday at the Butler Bowl.

"This is a great night for the team," SIUE Head Coach Mario Sanchez said. "They brought the effort and the work ethic tonight and when you do that good things will happen."

Garet Christianson's goal with 36 seconds to play in regulation broke a 1-1 tie, lifting the Cougars to the road win. Mohamed Awad picked up his team-leading fifth assist on the goal. Christianson converged on the ball with Butler goalkeeper Eric Dick and was able to chip the ball over the goalkeeper for the game-winner.

"Honestly, Garet wanted it more," Sanchesz said. "He fought for it."

SIUE improved to 6-3-1 with the victory. Butler, who came into the game ranked 19^th by TopDrawerSoccer.com and No. 21 in the coaches' poll, dropped to 6-1-3 for the season.

"The thing I am most proud of is how the team put in a full effort from start to finish," Sanchez added.

With SIUE leading 1-0 and less than five minutes remaining, the Bulldogs managed the equalizer with a penalty kick from Jeff Adkins.

"I thought the guys responded really well (to the late goal)," Sanchez said. "We were very aggressive going forward."

Devyn Jambga put the Cougars on top early in the match. Just 3:08 into the match, Jambga netted his team-leading fourth goal of the year after a Butler turnover near the top of the 18-yard box.

"I have told the guys there is no such thing as luck," Sanchez said. "When you work hard and are prepared you put yourselves in position to have opportunities."

Butler nearly drew even just before halftime. Butler was awarded a penalty kick. The Bulldog's Caleb Postelwait took the kick, but Dal Santo made the save and the Cougars carried the 1-0 lead into the break.

"Kyle is one of the quickest keepers I have ever worked with," Sanchez said. "A lot of saving a penalty kick is reaction. His reactions are phenomenal."

For the game, Butler outpaced SIUE 16-7 in shots. The Bulldogs managed just four shots on goal. Dal Santo made four saves.

"We did a really good job of limiting their chances," Sanchez said. "We have established ourselves as a very good defensive team."

SIUE stays out of Missouri Valley Conference play when they travel to Chicago for a Saturday matchup at Northwestern. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.