INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Western Michigan men's soccer team dropped its season opener, 2-0, to Butler on the road on Thursday evening.  

The Bulldogs scored late in the 79th minute and again in the 86th minute to hand WMU (0-1) its first loss of the season. The Broncos were outshot 20-15 overall and 7-4 In shots on goal.  

"Credit needs to go to Butler, on the day they were the better team," said head coach Chad Wiseman. "This game will not define our season. Butler is a talented team and very difficult to beat on home turf. We certainly need to be better on the ball. We didn't play with the composure that's needed to keep the ball for longer stretches and we became one dimensional going forward." 

After a scoreless first half Western Michigan's best chance came in the 70th minute when Carson and Tanner Hodgson combined well through the midfield and played Landon Fisher into the box, but the attempt was saved by Gabriel Gjergji. 

Butler took the lead on a goal by Palmer Ault, slotting the ball into the bottom left of the net. A penalty was given in the 86th minute and Wilmer Cabrera Jr. stepped up to the spot and beat WMU goalkeeper Hunter Morse on the left side of the net to seal the game.  

"Our leaders will have the response that's needed," added Wiseman. "I have full confidence in them." 

Western Michigan heads back out on the road next Thursday to take on rival Michigan State.