DANA LEE | STAFF REPORTER

The previously undefeated Butler men’s soccer team fell to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Tuesday night in a final score of 2-1. SIUE took an early lead after Devyn Jambga was able to find the back of the Bulldogs’ net in the first three minutes of the game.

Butler’s Jeff Adkins and Eric Leonard were able to generate a series of quality shots in the first half, but were just wide of the net or saved by SIUE’s goalkeeper Kyle Dal Santo. In the final minutes of the half, Butler had a chance to tie the game with a penalty kick. Once again, Dal Santo was able to block the shot to keep his team on top going into halftime.

The second half was defined by Butler’s onslaught of offensive attacks, with the team holding an 8 to 2 shot advantage over SIUE. Despite the numerous opportunities for the Bulldogs in the beginning of the second half, it was not until a penalty kick for the Bulldogs, that the team was able to tie the match.

The penalty kick was the result of a collision between Butler’s Vincent Mitchell and SIUE player in the box. Jeff Adkins was able to capitalize on the opportunity, evening the score to 1-1. Adkins also led the team with 4 shots for the night.

Despite Butler’s efforts to force the game into overtime, last-second heroics from SIUE’s Garet Christianson gave SIUE a one goal lead with 36 seconds left on the clock.

“We’re disappointed to lose, but you have to give credit to SIUE, who worked as hard as any team we have faced this season,” said Butler coach Paul Snape.

According to the coach, the team looks ahead with plans to get back to what has brought the team success in past games. The Bulldogs play Georgetown on Saturday in the first of seven consecutive BIG EAST games before the regular season concludes.