No. 10 Butler edges Neosho County 3-2 in overtime

No. 10 Butler edges Neosho County 3-2 in overtime

Butler soccer needed overtime to keep its conference winning streak intact Wednesday as the 10th-ranked Grizzlies defeated Neosho County 3-2 at BG Products Veterans Sports Complex.

Sophomore forward Ky Kreemer scored two goals - including a game-winning header in the 98th minute of overtime to help Butler (5-3 overall, 3-0 conference) win its 30th straight regular season win in Jayhawk Conference play. With the win, the Grizzlies are one win away from tying the school record (31, Oct. 14, 2011-Oct. 12, 2014).

Butler led 1-0 at halftime on a Zion DeWerff goal in the ninth minute, as the freshman forward received a through pass from Holly Stewart. Kreemer netted her first goal in the 52nd minute, tapping in a center pass from Kennedy Weaver right in front of the box to give the Grizzlies a two-goal lead.

However, Neosho would strike back just under a minute later as McKenzie Ball broke the shutout with a goal. The Panthers would tie the game at 2-all in the 78th minute when Jailene Alacron put in a deflected shot off of Butler goalkeeper Elena Garcia.

In the overtime, Butler dominated possession but only had one shot on goal until Kreemer's header. Sam Simmons hit a corner kick from the northeast corner perfectly to Kreemer, who despite getting injured on the play still managed to head the ball into the net over Neosho keeper Autumn Wilson.

Butler will hit the road Saturday for a conference match against Allen County. Kickoff from Iola is at 2:00 p.m.

NOTES: Butler remains undefeated in the all-time series against Neosho County with an overall record of 23-0-0. The narrow margin marks just the third time that Butler has recorded a one-goal victory in the series.