GRAYSON PRATHER | STAFF REPORTER

The Butler men’s soccer team opens its home schedule tonight versus Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. 

After tying 2-2 in double overtime against IUPUI last year, the Bulldogs are hoping to pull out a victory this year.

“We know it is going to be a tough affair,” head coach Paul Snape said. “We know they are going to be playing hard, we know a lot of their guys, they know a lot of our guys. It doesn’t matter the record.”

Snape said every game is seen as important to the team.

“There’s not one we want to win any more or any less,” Snape said.

In last year’s match, the two goals were scored by alumnus Austin Oldham and returning veteran Jeff Adkins.

Snape said in-town rival IUPUI is always a tough opponent that Butler “respects immensely.” 

However, that respect will turn to competitiveness come game time. 

“Come seven o’clock on Wednesday, our friendship ceases to exist,” Snape said.

The Butler Bulldogs are predicted to finish sixth in the final standings of the Big East while IUPUI is predicted to finish fifth in the Summit League.

IUPUI has five players that have earned nominations from The Summit League in the preseason, including Rookie of the Year and All-Summit teams. Butler had a total of 5 players that received nominations for awards such as College Sports Information Directors of America Academic nominations, Big East All-Tournament, All-Big East, Butler Athletic Director’s Honor Roll, and Big East Rookie of the Year in 2013.

Butler only lost five seniors, but three of those alumni started in the IUPUI game last year.

The game starts at 7:00 p.m. tonight in the Butler Bowl.