The Raiders opened the 2026 campaign with a gritty 2‑1 victory over Butler on a crisp evening in Dayton, Ohio. From the first whistle, Wright State asserted control, outshooting the visitors 20‑7 and maintaining a 53‑47 possession edge throughout the match.
Evan Snyder broke the deadlock in the 37th minute, converting a well‑timed pass from Shai‑Lee Glaun into his first collegiate goal. The strike settled the Raiders into a rhythm that would carry them through a tightly contested second half.
Late‑Game Heroics
Chloe Dunford struck the decisive blow in the 86th minute, finishing a swift move orchestrated by Ruby Dunlevy’s pinpoint pass into the box. The goal not only secured the win but also marked Dunford’s inaugural collegiate marker, underscoring the impact of the freshman class.
Between the two scores, Butler managed to level the contest with a penalty kick from Lily Kiliski in the 61st minute, but the Raiders’ defense, anchored by goalkeeper Leigha Lauer, held firm. Lauer posted a career‑high 10 saves on 20 shots faced, preserving the lead until the final whistle.
Stat Sheet Snapshot
Wright State’s statistical dominance was evident: they out‑shot Butler 12‑4 on target, controlled 53 percent of possession, and maintained pressure throughout. The comprehensive performance set a strong tone for the team’s aspirations as they head into the next phase of the season.
Looking ahead, the Raiders will host IU Pennsylvania at Alumni Field on Thursday, August 20, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. The upcoming match offers another opportunity for the freshmen to build on their early success and for the coaching staff to fine‑tune strategies before conference play intensifies.