EUNICE, La. – An 86th minute penalty kick helped LSU Eunice Men's Soccer grab a 2-1 victory in the waning moments of the Bengals' home opener against Paris JC on Thursday at the Bengal Soccer Complex.  It was the latest game winner for the Bengals (2-0) since a 90th minute winner against Jones College during the 2023 season.
 
The Bengals were able to line up the penalty kick after Arnold Cruz (Monroe, LA, Neville HS) was fouled streaking down the right side of the 18-yard box.  Juan José Ricaurte (Cali, Columbia, Los Andes Schools) calmly pushed the game winner across the goal line, setting off a celebration after the Bengals completed a second half rally.
 
LSUE found itself in a one-goal hole at intermission as Paris capitalized on a turnover on its offensive end, scoring the first goal of the game in the 32nd minute.  It spoiled an otherwise brilliant night in net for William Panter (Northampton, England, Campion School).  The sophomore newcomer made several crucial saves in the first half, racking up seven stops on the night.
 
The Bengals were quick to knot the game up after halftime adjustments.  A scramble for the ball on the near side of the field turned out to help LSUE, as the ball bounced right to Roko Rojevcan (Killarney, Ireland, St. Brendan's College) who blasted a 30-yard rocket towards net as the goalkeeper scrambled to get back towards net.  The 50th minute goal tied the game 1-1.
 
LSU Eunice is back in action on Sunday with an afternoon matchup against Northeast Texas CC starting at 3:30PM.