Sean Zimmer (9) steals the ball from Keokuk. Photo courtesy of Kevin Rohr.

Southeast Conference, you have been put on notice, Washington boys soccer is back.

The Demons made a statement Thursday, opening the season with a 3-1 win over defending conference champion Keokuk. The Demons fell behind early as the Chiefs found the back of the net in the first 20 minutes of the match. Washington found the equalizer midway through the opening stanza when Caleb Suchan connected with Abdullah Talal who put one by the keeper to even the score at one. That’s where the game stood at the half. In the second, the Demons kept the pressure on with Tony Torres drawing a foul in the box and cashing in the penalty kick to give Washington the lead for good. The Demons added insurance on a Julio Salgado assist to Simeon Buie who calmly ripped a shot to the back of the net to give Washington the two goal lead. The Demon defense made the tallies stand up, led by five saves from Thomas Zimmer. With the win, Washington is now 1-0 on the year and will next be in action Monday when they host Iowa City Liberty.