INDIANAPOLIS – Northwestern picked up a 1-0 victory over Butler behind junior forward Mary Stroebel’s 69th-minute goal on Sunday afternoon at the Sellick Bowl.
NU’s win gave it its third straight victory over Butler, all by a 1-0 scoreline, and its first victory over the Bulldogs in Indianapolis since 1999.
'CATS > DAWGS 😼 pic.twitter.com/7xudDU8eIn
— Northwestern Soccer (@NUWSoccer) August 30, 2026
The first 45 minutes of action saw limited chances, with both back lines up to the test. The best chance of the first half came in the 27th minute when senior defender Maddie Finnerty’s pass intended for junior forward Alex Fallon went through to senior forward Sarah O’Donnell, whose shot went just wide of the net.
The Wildcats (2-2-1) came out of the gate in the second half hot, recording the first three shots of the period. Senior forward Keira Wagner drew a penalty kick in the 58th minute, but Bulldog goalkeeper Addison Ash saved Fallon’s attempt to preserve the scoreless deadlock.
Northwestern continued to push for the breakthrough, finally finding it in the 69th minute. O’Donnell ran for open space in the Butler half, drawing Bulldog (1-2-1) defenders, and found an open Stroebel in the box. The forward from Cedarburg, Wis., made no mistake, curling a shot past Ash for the game-winner. Stroebel’s goal is the second of her career, most recently scoring the game-winner in the 2025 season opener at Loyola Chicago.
Senior goalkeeper CJ Roy picked up her first career clean sheet in her second career start, making a save in the 36th minute. The shutout is NU’s second of the season. Â
The ‘Cats return home for a Thursday night matchup with local foe Loyola Chicago. Kickoff from Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT on B1G+.