The Bulldogs picked up their first win of the 2018 campaign Thursday night, and it was a significant one as Butler posted a 2-0 road win at No. 16 Western Michigan.

 

Butler, which is ranked No. 11 in this week’s United Soccer Coaches national poll, improves to 1-1-1 on the young season. WMU are now 1-2 with both loses coming to BIG EAST foes.

 

Junior Brandon Guhl registered both scores for the Bulldogs, finding the net in both the 64^th and 69^th minutes. The BIG EAST Preseason Offensive Player of the Year has lived up to the billing with three goals through the team’s first three matches.

 

The first goal came off a free kick from the left corner of the box. Freshman Eric Conerty was credited with the assist. Four minutes later, Guhl was able to post an insurance goal as captain Jared Timmer orchestrated a quick counter and found Guhl who was able to score in an open net.

 

The Bulldogs’ defense was strong throughout the match. Western Michigan took 12 shots, but wasn’t in a position to put any of them on net. Butler countered with eight shots, including three on frame.

 

Freshman keeper Gabriel Gjergji earned the first shutout of his Butler career.

 

The physical match saw each team commit 19 fouls. Five players were presented with yellow cards.

 

Butler has posted impressive results against two ranked teams already this season as today’s 2-0 win over No. 16 Western Michigan joins a 2-2 (2OT) tie against No. 4 Akron Friday night. Both contests were road games for the Bulldogs.

 

The Bulldogs return to action Monday, hosting Columbia in a Labor Day afternoon contest that is slated to begin at 1 p.m.