Bulldogs Roll Past Houston Baptist, 5-1

LEXINGTON, KY. -- Senior Ben Sippola became the ninth player in Butler men’s soccer history to record a “hat trick” and the Bulldogs rolled past Houston Baptist, 5-1, in the first round of the Kentucky Tournament on Friday (Sept. 10).  Butler will face Loyola Marymount in the final round on Sunday (Sept. 12).

Sippola gave the Bulldogs (3-0) a 1-0 lead on a penalty kick just under 30 minutes into the match.  It was his first goal of the season and the seventh of his Butler career.

Houston Baptist (1-2) tied the match six minutes later, but Sippola responded with the game-winner at 44:17.  He took a pass from freshman Adekunle Oluyedun, broke loose in the midfield and beat goalkeeper Chris Dodd one-on-one for the decisive score.

The Bulldogs added three more goals in the second half.  Senior Jacob Capito notched the first with a shot from the far edge of the box after taking a pass from junior Matt Hedges.  Sippola then tallied this third goal from 25 yards out off a pass from senior Kyle Pateros.  Oluyedun finished the scoring with his first collegiate goal with less than three minutes remaining.  Senior Michael Clayton and freshman Adam Glanzer picked up assists on the play.

Senior goalkeeper Fabian Knopfler went the distance for the Bulldogs and picked up his third win of the season.  He had one save, while allowing his first goal of the season.

Butler finished with a 14-8 advantage in shots and an 8-2 edge in shots on goal.  Both teams had four corner kicks.

The five goals scored were the most by a Butler team since 2007, when the Bulldogs defeated Detroit, 5-1.  Butler has out-scored its first three opponents this season, 10-1.

Butler’s match with Loyola Marymount on Sunday is slated to start at noon (ET).