Indianapolis, IN, 

Western Illinois opened its 2025 campaign with a 1-0 victory at Butler. Benjamin Graham scored the game-winning goal in the 21st minute by tucking a left-footed shot into the bottom left corner after a setup from Xavier Gagnon.

Goalkeeper Micah Ramirez anchored the back line tremendously throughout the game. He stopped an early chance in the eighth minute and denied another effort in the 19th as Butler applied pressure in the opening half. WIU then created looks of its own throughout the first half, but the half ended at 1-0. 

The Bulldogs had opportunities after halftime but could not get a goal against the Leathernecks. Ramirez turned aside a shot in the 52nd minute, and Western Illinois handled consecutive corners at 52:04 and 53:02 with active defense throughout. 

Western Illinois showed resolve in the game's physical moments. Every time the Bulldogs threatened, there was an answer by the Leathernecks.

The Leathernecks will use this momentum into their next game against Quincy, where they will look to start 2-0.