Allen Community College’s men’s and women’s soccer teams took on Eastern Oklahoma State College in a double-header Tuesday. The women took the field first, winning 2-0. The men lost 2-1 in the final minutes. THE MEN’S TEAM was tied 1-1 at halftime. Dylan Orian scored the only goal for Allen. In the second half, the Red Devils had two near goals.
The women were propelled to victory by two first-half goals from Kyleigh Rowe, who made her first start since coming back from an injury in the preseason.
“We brought some girls in who have really been battling for time and have been pretty upset,” coach Jeremy McGinnis said. “They showed today that they can really play.”
The first goal came off a cross from Hailey Melin with about 13 minutes left in the half. Less than four minutes later, Rowe scored off a corner kick just outside the box from a pass by Kristen Tainatongo.
Having Rowe back gives Allen a boost. Last year she had 13 assists — most of them to Lexi Godlove. Rowe and Godlove were nicknamed peanut butter and jelly by coach McGinnis.
“I told her since she’s been out the past three weeks she hasn’t been starting, so she needs to earn the spot back,” McGinnis said. “I said ‘this is your chance to start for me today. Show me that you can be a part of it,’ and she came in and tore it up scoring two goals.”
In the second half, the Red Devils had a scare when goalkeeper Jessica Pancoast was hurt making a save, forcing her out of the game. However, Emilee Mitchell came in for Pancoast to finish the game and the Red Devil defense kept scoring opportunities to a minimum.
“She’ll be fine,” McGinnis said. “She went up for the ball and they just crunched her. She’ll be back. I think it was her ankle, but she’ll be good.”
The women’s team is 4-0-1 and takes on a ranked Hutchinson team at 3 p.m. Saturday at Allen.
Early in the second half, Johnathan Jean-Francois took a cross from Pedro Ortega and beat the goaltender. Unfortunately, the ball hit the goal post.
With four minutes left in the game, Eastern Oklahoma was awarded a free kick. A perfect strike went through the arms of diving goalie Chase Tonkin.
After the go-ahead goal by Eastern Oklahoma, Jonathan Jean-Francois had a break away, only for the opposing goaltender to get to the ball before he could get a good shot.
Coach Doug Desmarteau said the team (2-4) has put in a good effort, but hasn’t gotten the breaks it needs to win.
“I think a lot of it is just catching some breaks, getting unlucky here and there,” Desmarteau said. “We had some goals that should have gone in, but bounced off the post.”
After the game, the players were hot.
“I think they’re getting a little frustrated, but it’s good. They can help each other out and boost each other,” Desmarteau said. “Sometimes, that’s all it takes to bring them together. I think that’s a good thing and they bring it out in each other.”
The men next play at 2 p.m. Friday against Cowley at home.
ACC women ease to win, men lose in final minutes
