Marquette Routs Central Arkansas, Improves to 2-0

MILWAUKEE – The Marquette University men's soccer team starts the season 2-0 for the first time since 2012 after four Golden Eagles score in a 4-0 victory over Central Arkansas Thursday night at Valley Fields.

Redshirt senior Martin Alba got things off to a quick and loud start as he fired from distance to record his first career goal in the fourth minute. His strike came from about 25 yards out with incredible pace as he left the Central Arkansas keeper, Marc Olsen, frozen in tracks.

Freshman forward Lukas Sunesson continued his scoring streak with his third goal of the season on a breakaway in the 11th minute to give Marquette a 2-0 lead at halftime.

The defense, which was missing senior back Steffen Böhm, showed resilience as Zak Wegner was asked to play somewhat out of position from his normal midfield spot and did so with grace.

As a unit, the backline got better as the game went on, holding the Bears to just five shots in the second half. Senior Luis Barraza made six saves to register his seventh career shutout and 11th victory.

It was a superb effort by the back line (@Pattyseags, Leo Villa, Josh Hancock, @zakw46) and resulted in a 6️⃣ save clean sheet, the 7️⃣th of @LuisBarrazaa's career. Huicho talks about the win: pic.twitter.com/OC26xi7JAC
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) August 31, 2018

The offense, meanwhile, replicated its production in the final 45 minutes as Connor Alba notched his second goal of the year in the 62nd minute and Patrick Seagrist netted his first just 12 minutes later.

The four goals matched Marquette's highest output from last year, which they accomplished twice in wins over Seton Hall and Creighton. While Sunesson (3) and Connor Alba (2) already have multiple goals through two contests, Luka Prpa picked up another assist tonight for a team-best three helpers on the year.

Central Arkansas (1-1) put up 15 shots throughout the contest, with only one coming from Niklas Brodacki, who finished 2017 as the nation's top goal-scorer with 17 goals.

Marquette returns to action on Tuesday, Sept. 4, where it takes on Saint Louis on the road. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Central time.

A convincing result and a 2-0 start to the season makes #MarquetteSoccer skipper @Loobe21 a happy man. Postgame thoughts: pic.twitter.com/GwOoNDJoSp
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) August 31, 2018

GOAL SUMMARY
4' | Martin Alba (Unassisted)

Here's another look at @Martinalba11 first career goal!! It was an absolute banger! #SCTop10 #MarquetteSoccer #NCAASoccer pic.twitter.com/bv01geqV1y
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) August 31, 2018

11' | Lukas Sunesson (Unassisted)

11' | GOOOOOOOOAL! Lukas Sunesson breaks free down the middle of the pitch and beats the UCA keeper for his 3rd goal of the year and gives #MarquetteSoccer a two-goal lead!

2-0 pic.twitter.com/yQI0MGLhiE
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) August 31, 2018

62' | Connor Alba (Josh Coan)

🎥 Check out another header goal by @connor_alba - his 2nd of the season - set up by @jcoan98. #MarquetteSoccer pic.twitter.com/fUhWHKQhTR
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) August 31, 2018

74' | Patrick Seagrist (Luka Prpa)