Box Score

EUNICE, La – No. 9 LSU Eunice Men's Soccer dug itself out of an early hole to capture a 2-1 victory over Hill College on Monday at the Bengal Soccer Complex.  The Bengals (2-1-2) capped off a rugged weekend featuring three games in five days which including a Saturday trip to Florida.
 
"We overcame some early obstacles and did a good job fighting back as a team," Bengals head coach Josh McReynolds said.  "I think our guys learned a lot of valuable lessons over this past weekend that we can use going forward to become a more complete side."
 
The Bengals were pushed against the wall early, as a tandem tackle in the box was assessed a penalty kick which the Rebels converted less than five minutes into the contest.
 
A physical meeting, the Bengals and Rebels combined for 36 fouls and six yellow cards.
 
It was the defense that helped jumpstart the LSUE attack.  Jose Escobar (Fort Pierce, FL, Fort Pierce Central HS) intercepted a pass near midfield, advanced into the box and drew three Hill defenders, before laying for Alexandre Badji (Montreal, Quebec, Canada, College Francais) who buried his first career goal in the upper nearside corner in the 31st minute.
 
The backline would then initiate a goal scoring sequence Tanner LaPorte (Lafayette, LA, Acadiana HS) intercepted a pass midfield.  LaPorte fed to Fernando Fuentes (Gretna, LA, L.W. Higgins HS) who executed a beautiful through ball to Escobar.  The sophomore used a cut towards the middle of the box before lasering the go-ahead goal
 
The Bengals a few more solid chances to score but opted for a more defensive minded approach after intermission as well as having a few lucky bounces with two Rebel shots late in the second half hitting the post.
 
Diego Montoya Casillas (Cuernavaca, Mexico, Instituto Oriente de Puebla) had another solid night in net, overcoming the early penalty kick to record four saves.
 
LSU Eunice will venture back to Florida this weekend to face nationally ranked Eastern Florida State in Pensacola.