For just the third time ever and the first time at Cochrane Stadium, BGSU men’s soccer (3-1-0) will face off against the Butler Bulldogs (2-0-2), looking to bounce back from their 2-0 loss at Michigan on Labor Day.
WHEN & WHERE TO WATCH
Falcon Media Sports Network’s Lucas Kleimeyer will have the call on the WBGU-PBS YouTube channel alongside Stephen Jenkins. Kick-off for the match is set for 7:00 p.m. Watch along by clicking the link below:
SERIES HISTORY
The all-time series is even with one win for BG and one win for Butler. The last time these two programs played was in 2010 when the Bulldogs defeated the Falcons 5-0 in Indianapolis.
1997 was the first time these two teams played, which resulted in a 3-2 Bowling Green win on the road.
BOWLING GREEN
The Falcons were handed their first loss of the season against Michigan. Despite putting up another solid road performance, the Orange and Brown were unable to find the back of the net, and the Wolverines were able to take advantage of their chances.
It’ll be great for the team to return to Cochrane Stadium after a three-game road stretch, this will be the first home game since the season-opening 3-2 I-75 Cup win over Wright State. Under head coach Eric Nichols, the Falcons are 64-31-22 at home. Pretty good.
The starting eleven for Nichols has been mostly consistent. The only spot that may still be up for grabs is that right-center-back spot alongside sixth-year defender Josh Erlandson and fifth-year defender Kyle Cusimano. Sophomore Gus Peacock has earned his starting spot, going back to last season. Now, with a healthy Amer Dedic and the arrival of Yoann Araujo, it’ll be interesting to see if Nichols elects to change up the backline.
Offensively, the Falcons have been efficient, scoring eight goals in four games. On Saturday, BG is going to need to have a good night in front of the net. Could we be in store for another big home match from sophomore forward Bennett Painter? We’ll see on Saturday night.
BUTLER
The Bulldogs are coming off a 1-1 draw against the Indiana Hoosiers at home. In fact, Butler has played all four of their games this season at Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl. Saturday will be Butler’s first game on the road since last season.
Under 14th-year head coach Paul Snape, the Bulldogs are 106-92-42, including a 2016 Big East Tournament Championship plus a NCAA Sweet 16 appearance.
Last season, Butler was (2-7-6) and (1-3-4) in conference play, a big disappointing year for the Bulldogs, after a 10-win season in 2022.
The return of junior forward Palmer Ault has helped bolster this Butler attack. The former Big EAST Freshman of the Year has had back-to-back assists in his two matches this season.
Sophomore forward Ryan Hannosh has been deadly offensively as well, with two goals and three assists. He’s already matched his stats from last season with just four games played.
Butler will be no easy task on Saturday, a diverse squad with lots of experienced players. Their matchup against BG should be a fun one.
FALCON FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
Forward – #21 Trace Terry, Bowling Green
As Terry continues to be the focal point of the attack for BG, finishing chances will be crucial against Butler. His ability to find the open space inside the box and also do the dirty work for the Falcons will be key on Saturday.
Midfielder – #15 Mads Christensen, Bowling Green
After missing the first couple of games due to injury, Christensen has returned to help solidify the middle of the pitch for BG. The midfield battle will be huge, and the Falcons will need a big game from their sophomore midfielder.
Forward – #14 Ryan Hannosh, Butler
Hannosh has been a constant threat to opposing backlines this season, his ability to create chances but also get on the end of opportunities will be big for the Bulldogs against BG.
Forward – #9 Josemir Gomez, Butler
The transfer forward from IU Indianapolis has been in great form in his first year with the Bulldogs. Scoring three goals in his first four matches with Butler, Gomez will pose a big threat on Saturday and will need to have another big game for Butler.
