Men's Soccer Defeats Butler, Clinches BIG EAST Tourney Berth

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Despite playing with 10 men for the majority of the second half, the Marquette University men's soccer team hung on for a 2-1 road victory over Butler and clinched its first BIG EAST tournament berth since 2014 on Sunday.

It was a stunning first half for the Golden Eagles (6-8-1, 4-3-1 BIG EAST), who received goals by Diego Núñez (30') and Josh Coan (37') while getting six impressive saves from senior goalie Luis Barraza. Things were clicking on all cylinders after 45 minutes.

Then, just 1:13 into the second half, an unfortunate series of events took place as Barraza was issued a red card and sent off.

Following a weak back pass, Barraza was unable to beat the Butler player to the ball and, as the last defender, was either forced to commit a wrap-up foul or give up an empty net goal. He chose the former and the referee issued a red card.

Butler's Alex Lehtinen buried the ensuing penalty kick to make it 2-1, while freshman Cedrik Stern took over in goal and the Golden Eagles were forced to play with 10 men the rest of the way.

It was an inspiring defensive effort during the final 43-plus minutes of action. For the game, Butler put up 21 shots, including nine on target, and added nine corner kicks, but could not break through for the tying goal against a sturdy Marquette back line.

The Bulldogs (4-11-2, 2-6-0 BIG EAST) were officially eliminated from postseason contention with the loss, but fought hard to the bitter end. Jared Timmer and Logan Lee led Butler with four shots each and five on target, combined.

Marquette will host a first-round BIG EAST tournament game if it remains in its fourth-place position following the regular season finale and senior night game against DePaul on Wednesday, Oct. 31, at Valley Fields.

Kickoff between the Golden Eagles and Blue Demons is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Central time.

Keep up with the Marquette men's soccer program through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteSoccer) and Instagram (@MarquetteSoccer) and `liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteSoccer).

Our very own left back, @Pattyseags talks about the game after a hard earned battle defensively to a 2-1 road victory. pic.twitter.com/RLEU7E0sNJ
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) October 28, 2018

Coach @Loobe21 speaks about the team #BEFutbol tournament clinching road win over Butler. pic.twitter.com/GhbkvEjmKr
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) October 28, 2018