The Kansas soccer team salvaged a 2-2 draw against visiting Butler in Tuesday’s exhibition opener at Rock Chalk Park.
Senior forward Ashley Pankey netted the tying goal with just over three minutes remaining and freshman Erna Guðjónsdóttir scored the Jayhawks’ first goal in the 64th minute.
The Bulldogs scored goals in the opening 16 minutes of both halves to take the 2-0 lead, setting the stage for KU’s comeback.
“There are some positives to take away from today but we definitely have some things to work on as well,” said 18th-year head coach Mark Francis. “I was really happy with how we climbed back into it and fought until the end. That was really encouraging. We still have some kinks to iron out, but I saw some good things today.”
The Jayhawks closed the match out-shooting the Bulldogs 20-9, including 14 attempts in the second half. Senior Tayler Estrada led Kansas with five shots and three Jayhawk goalkeepers played in the tune-up, with junior Maddie Dobyns and red-shirt freshman Regan Gibbs each notching a save.
KU will play its final exhibition game of the 2016 season against Creighton at 7 p.m. Friday at Rock Chalk Park. One week later, Kansas will open up its regular season against Minnesota, at 5 p.m. Aug. 19.