INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – A goal in the 103rd minute snapped a 0-0 tie and lifted Butler to a 1-0 victory over Villanova (8-7-1 overall, 1-5-1 BIG EAST) on Sunday afternoon at Varsity Field here.
The Bulldogs' (9-5-1 overall, 3-3-1 BIG EAST) game-winner was scored by Joel Howard at 102:41.
Villanova redshirt goalkeeper Carson Williams was once again terrific, making eight saves over the course of the day. Freshman Lyam MacKinnon recorded five of the Wildcats 12 shots on the day.
"I'm proud of the way we competed," stated Villanova head coach Tom Carlin. "I thought this was the best we have played in a Big East game this year. We fought hard, created more possessions and were right there.
"It's unfortunate that we weren't able to defend the set piece that decided the game. Set pieces hurt us against Providence (on Wednesday) and then this one got us today. We have to do a better job there. The ball kind of found its way inside the near post."
The Wildcats dropped a 2-0 decision to the Friars on Wednesday, but Carlin thought his group found an edge that carried over into Sunday.
"I think we figured some things out in terms of personnel and formation on the attack," he stated. "In the long run, I think that's a positive."
Butler held the edge in shots, 23-12 on the day. Each team had seven shots in the first 45 minutes before the Bulldogs applied heavy pressure in the first 25 minutes of the second half.
"We had to weather the storm at the start of the second half," said Carlin.
Villanova's defensive core was once again outstanding. Seniors Shane Bradley and Luca Mellor were stalwarts in front of Williams, who was again exceptional.
"They were blocking shots all over the place," noted Carlin. "It's nothing new. Shane, Luca and Carson have been our rocks all season."
The Wildcats now have five days to prepare for conference leader Georgetown (13-1-1 overall, 6-0-1 BIG EAST). The Hoyas will be at Villanova on Saturday, Nov. 2 for a match that begins at 1 p.m. Villanova will honor its 10 seniors and their families in a pre-game ceremony set for 12:40 p.m.
