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Michael Wignot
Kathy Weigman

BUTLER SCORES LATE KNOCKOUT IN 2-1 WIN OVER JAGS

Freshman Michael Wignot nets second career goal in defeat

10/14/2009 9:43:11 PM

Box Score I Box Score (.pdf)

INDIANAPOLIS - Both the IUPUI and Butler men's soccer teams landed quick blows in the opening six minutes of Wednesday's night's match, however the visiting Bulldogs dialed up the final blow in the 75th minute in a 2-1 victory. Reigning Horizon League Player of the Week Boris Gatzky assisted on both goals for the Bulldogs.

"It's good for Indianapolis soccer for the two of us to get together," IUPUI Head Coach Steve Franklin said. "We're both at different ends of the spectrum right now. Obviously, Butler's having a tremendous year and that's a testament to Kelly Findley and his program."

Butler (9-1-1), which received votes in the NSCAA national polls this past week, looked the part from the get-go as Matt Hedges put the guests on top less than three minutes in. Gatzky and Kyle Vondenbenken set up the play before Hedges shifted a tough angled shot past IUPUI goalkeeper Tyler Keever from inside six yards.

However, IUPUI (1-8-3) answered less than three minutes later by scoring its first first half goal of the season. Freshman Ian Munro played a short corner kick to Tyler Fritcha who then crossed the ball to Michael Wignot who headed a shot back against the grain and into the net.

Wignot's goal was IUPUI's first since a 1-1 tie with Eastern Illinois on Sept. 20.  

"We could've caved when they got the early goal from Hedges, but then to turn around with Wignot's goal really inspired us and showed us we could play with those guys," Franklin said. "From that standpoint, we did go toe to toe."

Butler's relentless offensive attack kept the heat on during the chilly conditions before finally breaking through in the 75th minute. After fending off a number of Gatzky corner kicks, the Butler forward eventually set up Julian Cardona on the game-winner with a lead pass up the left side of the field. From there, Cordona raced past his mark before rolling a shot inside far post with Keever challenging off his back line.

"It was just a classic case of a toe to toe boxing match and unfortunately at the end, they got a good long run up the left side and snuck one in on us," Franklin said. "It says a lot about our back line. I think they bend, but they don't break that often."

"It's good to see us break the scoreless streak, but by the same token, we did have some other opportunities to break through."

Looking for some offensive punch, Franklin moved sophomore Yogi Snider to a forward spot, teaming him with senior Eric Weigman up front. The bulk of the offense ran through Snider as he orchestrated opportunities for other players within the attack.

"I thought Yogi did a very nice job of front of giving us a presence of holding on to the ball," Franklin said.

Butler outshot IUPUI 20-7 overall and 5-3 on frame while also enjoying a 10-2 advantage on corner kicks. BU's Michael Clayton led all players with seven shots while Keever made three stops in goal. Both Wignot and Fritcha had two shot attempts including a flare by Fritcha in the waning seconds that forced BU goalkeeper Fabian Knopfler to retreat and snare the ball before it tucked inside the far post.

IUPUI returns to action when it travels to Pontiac, Mich. to take on Oakland inside the Ultimate Soccer Arena. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. ET.
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