Marquette falls 1-0 to Butler in BIG EAST opener

The Marquette University women's soccer team (4-4-0, 0-1-0 BIG EAST) fell to the Butler Bulldogs (8-1-0, 1-0-0), 1-0, in the BIG EAST opener on Thursday night at Valley Fields.

It was an even match for almost all of regulation, with neither squad generating many chances. Both teams were held scoreless in the first half, with the two sides combining for just six shots in the frame.

"Our focus this week was on being able to anticipate play at both ends of the field and I thought we did a great job of that tonight," head coach Frank Pelaez said. "Soccer can be a cruel game. Butler had one opportunity in the second half and it scored. I was extremely proud of the way we competed tonight."

The same was true in the second half, as each team struggled to generate quality opportunities.

But in the 90^th minute, Butler earned a free kick just outside the box on a handball by MU. Aliya Diagne converted the attempt and gave the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead.

The Golden Eagles managed just six shots in the contest, with Alex Campana and Rachel Johnson notching shots on goal.

Butler also totaled six shots, with Diagne's being the only on goal. Bulldogs keeper Emma Martin kept a clean sheet with two saves.

UP NEXT: Marquette will travel to Villanova on Sunday, Sept. 26 to continue league play at 12 p.m. CT.

Keep up with the Marquette University women's soccer team through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteWSOC) and Instagram (@MarquetteWSOC) and 'liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteWSOC).