BY CLAYTON YOUNG | STAFF REPORTER

The Butler men’s soccer team opened up their 2013-14 season with a 2-1 win against Western Michigan at the Butler Bowl.

After a slow start by the Bulldogs, sophomore forward Jeff Adkins put the first goal in for Butler in the 22nd minute with a 40 yard shot from the top of the box into the right side of the net.

The Bulldogs continued their offense attack in the first half.

Junior midfielder Zach Steinberger added a goal of a penalty kick in the 25th minute and put the Bulldogs up 2-0 going into halftime.

In the 57th minute of the second half, an altercation took place in front of senior goalkeeper Jon Dawson. The incident resulted in a red card for Steinberger and senior forward Oliver Mayer of Western Michigan.

“Once we got one sent off, it really rattled us,” Dawson said. “But we showed good composure, settle things down and control the game.”

Western Michigan then turned around and scored in the 67th minute on a corner kick goal from sophomore forward Connor Furgason.

“The sending off really affected us,” said Butler coach Paul Snape. “Zach is a very talented player, but it just gave Western Michigan everything they needed to continue to fight for the win.”

The Bulldogs were able to hold on to the 2-1 win behind a strong defensive effort in the closing minutes.

The Bulldogs begin their season 1-0 after Friday’s win. Next up for Butler is a road match at IUPUI on Sept. 3 at 7 p.m.