TYLER, Texas — Butler soccer suffered its third consecutive defeat Sunday with a 2-1 road loss at No. 3 Tyler.
The loss marks just the third time in the 15-year history of the soccer program that Butler has lost three straight games in the same season. Butler had five losses in a row during the inaugural 2002 season, then opened the 2014 season with three straight defeats.
Tyler (4-0) scored the opening goal in the sixth minute on a goal from sophomore Kim Campos on a cross pass, but Butler countered just five minutes later when freshman forward Zion DeWerff scored on a loose ball scramble on a corner kick.
Butler (2-3) managed just two shots in the first half to Tyler's 11. Despite the shot differential, the Grizzlies maintained the 1-1 tie at halftime.
In the 57th minute, the Apaches took the lead on a goal from sophomore forward Itzayanna Sanchez-Gracia. Tyler set the goal up with a long pass up the near sideline to Katelyn Renfro, who found an open Sanchez-Gracia in the middle.
A controversial no-call in the 87th minute prevented Butler from potentially tying the contest. With Tyler goalkeeper Andrea Reves killing time unchallenged by dribbling the ball at her feet, Grizzly sophomore Kennedy Weaver snuck in and poked the ball out between Reves' feet before she could pick the ball up. With Weaver trying a play on the ball near the right post, Reves scissor-kicked Weaver to prevent a goal attempt. With the non-call in the box, Butler was denied the chance for a game-tying penalty kick attempt.
Butler now will turn its attention to Jayhawk Conference play as the Grizzlies will host Coffeyville on Friday. Kickoff at BG Products Veterans Sports Complex is at 7:00 p.m.
NOTES: Butler is now 2-5-1 overall against the Apaches and remains winless in three road games played at Tyler.
