In-state battle with Butler ends in scoreless tie

After its first two games resulted in a combined 13 goals, the IU men’s soccer team played in-state rival Butler to a 0-0 tie after 90 minutes of play Friday night on Jerry Yeagley Field at Bill Armstrong Stadium.

The Hoosiers, now 1-1-1 on their spring season slate, held a 16-5 shot attempt advantage against the Bulldogs during the game but failed to reach the back of the net.

The team narrowly missed three scoring opportunities toward the end of the first half, as freshman forward Kyle Sparks sent a shot off the left post with little more than 16 minutes remaining.

Sophomore midfielders Jacob Bushue and Nikita Kotlov also played shots on goal in the waning minutes of the first half, but saves by Butler goalkeeper Andy Holte held the Hoosiers scoreless.

After freshman goalkeeper Michael Soderlund played all of the previous game, which ended in a 5-3 loss against Bradley, in goal, junior Luis Soffner took over and was only forced to make three saves.

Indiana was led in shots by the sophomore midfielder trio of A.J. Corrado, Harrison Petts and Kotlov. Corrado tallied five attempts, while Petts added three and Kotlov added two. Five of the trio’s 10 shots were on goal.

The final game of IU’s three-match home stand commences at 8 p.m. at Jerry Yeagley Field on Friday as the Hoosiers play against Lindsey Wilson College.
 
— Nathan Brown