Sunesson's Brace Leads Marquette Past Valpo in Opener

MILWAUKEE – The Golden Eagles defeated Valparaiso, 3-1, in the season opener Sunday afternoon at Valley Fields as freshman Lukas Sunesson secured a brace in his Marquette debut.

The Marquette attack was effective in the season opener, garnering key scoring chances early on with a sturdy backline to hold off Valpo in a physical match on Saturday.

The Swedish forward, Sunesson, struck in the 53rd and 85th minutes to record his first two goals in a Marquette uniform, while junior Connor Alba broke through in the fifth minute to get MU on the board with his eighth career goal, finishing a nifty header that snuck just inside the right post.

Marquette incorporated four substitutions, switching in and out of the rotation, to combat the challenging conditions that featured oppressive heat requiring a water break in each half.

The Crusaders put up 18 shots to Marquette's 13, but the Golden Eagles owned the edge in shots on goal, 6-4. Both goalkeepers made a pair of saves and required some help in the form a backline clearance as well. Senior Luis Barraza recorded his 10th career victory in a Marquette uniform.

Both sides combined for nearly 30 fouls and seven yellow cards.

The Golden Eagles return to action on Thursday for a home match against another Missouri Valley Conference foe, Central Arkansas, at 7:05 p.m. Central time.

Keep up with the Marquette men's soccer program through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteSoccer) and Instagram (@MarquetteSoccer) and `liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteSoccer).

🎥 Postgame reaction from a happy @Loobe21 after today's win. #MarquetteSoccer pic.twitter.com/Gx4f63TeOJ
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) August 26, 2018

GOAL SUMMARY
• 5' | Connor Alba (Assisted by Luka Prpa)

• 53' | Lukas Sunesson (Assisted by Luka Prpa)

🎥 Lukas Sunesson scores his first career goal and puts the Golden Eagles ahead 2-0 in the 53rd minute! #MarquetteSoccer pic.twitter.com/NGIE2Xsufc
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) August 26, 2018

• 85' | Lukas Sunesson (Assisted by Josh Hancock)

🎥 Lukas Sunesson has a brace in his #MarquetteSoccer debut and gives the Golden Eagles some insurance! What a way to start a career. #WeAreMarquette pic.twitter.com/trCBqzDcmj
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) August 26, 2018