INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men's Soccer lost a tough season opener at Butler University, 2-1, Thursday evening in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Screaming Eagles, who are on the road for the first five matches of 2024, start the year 0-1-0, while Butler begins 2024 1-0-0.
 
Following a Butler tally at 7:33 of the opening half, USI evened the score at 11:11 when freshman midfielder Ahiro Nakamae (Fishers, Indiana) recorded his first collegiate goal and the Eagles' first official tally of the season. Nakamae was assisted on the play by senior midfielder Garland Hall (Evansville, Indiana) and sophomore midfielder Pablo Juan (St. Louis, Missouri).
 
The score would remain a 1-1 draw through the remainder of the first half. Butler had the advantage through much of the first 45 minutes with a 12-2 lead in shots.
 
In the second half, Butler regained the lead, 2-1, with a goal 6:29 into the final 45 minutes. The Bulldogs would control the second half, outshooting USI, 8-2, and posting a 3-0 advantage in corner kicks.
 
The Eagles' chances came at 70:48 off the foot of Nakame, a shot on-goal, and at 83:57 when freshman forward David Davila (Elkhart, Indiana), blast that was blocked by the defense.
 
Between the posts, sophomore goalkeeper Andrew Klott (St. Charles, Missouri) allowed the two goals after facing 20 shots, seven on-goal. He also made five saves in the opener.
 
NEXT UP FOR USI:
The Eagles continue their season-opening road swing Sunday when they travel to Belmont University for a 6 p.m. contest. The Bruins opened their season with a 0-0 tie at Georgia State University this evening in Atlanta, Georgia.
 
USI trails the all-time series with Belmont, 0-2-0. The Bruins prevailed at home in 2022, 2-0, and at Strassweg Field in 2023, 4-0.