LAFAYETTE, La. – LSU Eunice used a three-goal outburst in the second half to secure 4-0 exhibition win over Louisiana College at Moore Park in Lafayette. The LUS Fiber Stadium will serve as the Bengals' home field for the 2018 season as construction continues on LSUE's Soccer Complex on campus.
"We are starting to see the guys build towards the brand of soccer we want to play this season," LSUE head coach Josh McReynolds said. "It's becoming clearer where certain guys can excel on the pitch and who can be major contributors this year."
Angelo Fabricio (Jundiai, Brazil, St. Amant HS (LA)) put LSUE on the board early with a spectacular 4th minute volley from the far corner of the box. The chip shot soared over the Wildcat goalie's head and tucked in the back corner of the net to start off the celebration from the Bengal faithful.
"Angelo is a guy that we knew that had a lot of talent in high school, and his big question as it is with a lot of our players is can they translate their skills to the college level," McReynolds added.
The Bengals defense stiffened up after holding the early advantage, limiting LC to just four shots in the half with goalkeeper
Sean Jeanfreau (Mandeville, LA, Mandeville HS) collecting three saves. The Wildcats did not attempt a shot in the second half.
LSU Eunice received second half insurance when
Nicolai Small (Harbour View, Jamaica, Camperdown HS) buried a 52nd minute penalty kick with a rocket to the right side of goal. Small lined up for the penalty after
Axell Fuentes (Bridge City, LA, L.W. Higgins HS) was tripped up inside the box, resulting in a Wildcat yellow card.
Devin Pathoumthong (Madisonville, LA, Mandeville HS) (75th minute) and
Adrian Franco (Houston, TX, Andy Dekaney HS) (92nd minute) both connected on goals after assists by Saad Garadi.
LSU Eunice outshot Louisiana College 19-4 with the Bengals getting eight shots on goal. The Bengals aggressive offense also forced six corner kicks compared to one for LC.
The Bengals will return to action this Tuesday with a road trip to East Texas Baptist. The doubleheader will begin with women's action at 4:00PM.
