The Seton Hall men's soccer team (3-2-4) tied 0-0 at Butler (0-6-3) on Friday; it was the Pirates’ second BIG EAST match of the season. SHU outshot Butler 10-to-3 but ultimately couldn’t break through. Only one of the Pirates’ 10 shots was on target.
Butler dominated possession in the first half but didn't create much offense. Their only shot on target was in the 39th minute and was saved by graduate goalkeeper Devin Armstrong. The Bulldogs’ possession silenced the Pirates, and they didn’t record a single shot on target in the half.
SHU’s only opportunity came in the 45th minute after a foul drawn by freshman Tim Valentine gave the Pirates a free kick near the box. It found the head of a SHU player, but sailed over the top corner of the net.
The game’s physicality increased in the second half, but there were still few chances on target.
Butler fired a shot that nearly crossed the goal line but was headed away by graduate Lucas Christensen.
SHU responded minutes later when Loke Mattsson beat his defender and crossed the ball in the box, but no Pirate was around to tap it in.
With 10 minutes remaining, Butler forward Hayden Neale beat his defender on the left side and found himself in front of Armstrong. Armstrong positioned himself wide and forced Neal to pivot, ultimately getting his shot blocked and keeping the game 0-0.
Armstrong made three saves to record his fifth clean sheet of the season, and his second in a row. Junior Joaquin Brizuela led the Pirates offense with four shot attempts.
Up next for SHU is a home matchup against Sacred Heart on Oct. 6. They resume conference play against #25 ranked Xavier on Oct. 10.
Sean Casey is a writer for The Setonian’s Sports section. He can be reached at @sean.casey@student.shu.edu.
