EUNICE, La. –Ninth-ranked LSU Eunice Men's Soccer opened up the new season in style as the Bengals took down Jacksonville 2-0 on Monday at the Bengal Soccer Complex.   It was the third time in program history LSU Eunice has produced a clean sheet to start the season.
 
It was a dominant showing for the Bengals, who controlled possession for most of the game.  After several buildups in the opening half, LSUE would finally cash in after a breakaway run by John Simmons (Atlanta, GA, Northview HS).  The winger raced down the right side, racing past four Jaguars defenders before blasting a shot on frame.  The ball would ricochet right to a charging Kei Nagakura (Kanagawa, Japan, Club Med Academies), who buried the open net rebound in the 36 minute.
 
The Jaguars had a dangerous moment in the early part of the second half as Jacksonville punched a hard volley towards net and past LSUE goalkeeper Zachary Clary (Pensacola, FL, Tate HS).  Aarush Kamath (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Reliance Foundation School) was the last line of defense and came up with a goal saving block on the goal line to preserve the shutout.
 
LSUE would get a much needed insurance goal in the 74th minute thanks to a quick strike from William Saar (Monrovia, Liberia, Armstrong HS (Minn.)).  Avaneesh Kamath (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Reliance Foundation School) triggered the Bengal attack with a long throw-in to Haythem Abraham (Baton Rouge, LA, Baton Rouge Magnet HS).  The freshman midfielder split the Jaguars back line with a through ball to Saar just above the 18-yard box.  Saar raced down the right side of the box, tucking the ball in the near side to give LSU Eunice the 2-0 lead.
 
Saar would nearly miss a brace opportunity just a few moments later before time expired.
 
The Bengals will be away from the Cajun Prairie for their next six contests, starting with a weekend doubleheader in Atlanta.  LSUE tangles with USC Lancaster on Friday, followed by a Saturday matchup against Spartanburg Methodist College.