Bearcats Drop Exhibition Opener Against Butler

Bearcats Drop Exhibition Opener Against ButlerBearcats Drop Exhibition Opener Against Butler

Aug. 17, 2008

Box Score

CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati men's soccer team dropped its 2008 exhibition opener, 2-1, against Butler on Sunday evening at Gettler Stadium.

UC got on the board first in the 10th minute thanks to one of its 15 freshmen. A Butler free kick bent into the Cincinnati penalty area, where it was cleared down the middle of the field by Luke Henke (Wauwatosa, Wis./Milwaukee Lutheran). Rookie Matt Bahner (West Chester, Ohio/Lakota West) sped past the nearest defender and slid his right-footed shot past onrushing goalkeeper Fabian Knopfler for his first collegiate goal.

The Bearcats' lead did not last long. Butler knotted the score on a deflected crossing pass in the 17th minute. Frank Patano tapped in the loose ball to knot the score at one goal apiece.

Just before halftime, the Bulldogs took the lead on a Eduardo Garcia penalty kick. After a scramble in the box, Garcia was taken down by a UC defender and awarded the PK. Garcia stepped to the spot and beat UC keeper Matt Williams (Portland, Maine/Cheverus) low to his right.

UC played 21 of its 27 rostered players, including 13 of its 17 newcomers.

Williams made two saves in the first half and was relieved by Miguel Rosales (Aurora, Colo./Smoky Hill), last season's starter. Rosales kept the Bulldogs off the scoreboard in the second half.

UC wraps up its exhibition schedule at Michigan on Saturday, Aug. 23, in Ann Arbor.