EUNICE, La. – A first half offensive barrage was just enough for LSU Eunice men's soccer as the Bengals held on for a 3-2 season opening victory over Jacksonville College on Friday at the Bengal Soccer Complex.  LSUE (1-0-0) improved to 3-0 all-time in season openers.
 
The Bengals received an early gift as Jacksonville was issued a red card in the 18th after the Jaguar goalkeeper left the box and initiated hard contact against Elie Bokota (Atlanta, GA, Clarkston HS) to break up what would have been a one versus one opportunity.  Jose Escobar (Fort Pierce, FL, Fort Pierce Central HS) made the Jaguars pay on the ensuing free kick, scoring on a low driving shot in the back corner.
 
Bokota would make it 2-0 in LSUE's favor in the 32nd minute after a hard press resulted in a turnover, Bokota taking it from near midfield all the way to net and scoring on an open net after dodging past the goalkeeper.
 
The Bengals would take a commanding 3-0 lead just five minutes later as LSUE used a fast buildup off a turnover, with Escobar feeding a streaking Fernando Fuentes (Gretna, LA, L.W. Higgins HS) down the alley.  Fuentes would put on the brakes just inside the box and loft a curling left footed to score his first collegiate goal.
 
The Jaguars would make the game interesting in the second half, scoring on a 69th minute corner kick and 82nd minute penalty kick.
 
LSU Eunice will continue a season's best three-game home stand Tuesday as it hosts Tyler JC at 7:30PM.