A last-minute goal in extra time ended Allen Community College’s men’s soccer season on a sour note Wednesday, with a 2-1 loss against Neosho. THE RED DEVIL women were able to hang on in a narrow 2-1 victory over the Panthers.
“I thought we had some opportunities to finish some goals earlier and put the game up 2 or 3 to nothing,” coach Doug Desmarteau said. “We let them hang around and stuff happens.”
The Red Devils held a slim 1-0 lead heading into intermission. Pedro Ortega scored on an assist from Dylan Orian.
Despite having multiple scoring chances in the second half, Allen wasn’t able to add to the lead.
Neosho scored the equalizer, sending the game into extra time.
Neither team scored in the first 10 minutes. However, Neosho was found the back of the net with about a minute remaining in the second overtime.
“The effort was great, everyone worked extremely hard,” Desmarteau said. “They had to play 110 minutes, which is rough. We’ve had the effort all year. We make mental mistakes at times and I think that came back to haunt us today.”
This was the last game for the sophomores.
“They’re definitely a great group of kids and they’ve all done a wonderful job,” Desmarteau said. “Five of them have been here for three years now, after redshirting. We’re definitely going to miss them. They’re guys I’ve never had problems with off the field or anything. A lot of them are going to continue to play, so we will keep an eye on them.”
The men finished the year 3-13.
“We didn’t keep our composure today as much as we should have,” coach Jeremy McGinnis said. “But we were able to pull out a win.”
In the first half, Lexi Godlove gave ACC a 1-0 lead on a cross from Natalie Leiker. Six minutes into the second half, Rachel Nincehelser scored on an assist from Madison Evans. The Panther goalkeeper wasn’t able to handle the ball and Nincehelser made her pay with a goal.
However, Neosho answered with a goal less than a minute later. Goaltender Emilee MItchell was able to keep the ball out of Allen’s net the rest of the game to get the win. Starting goalkeeper Jessica Pancoast has missed the past two games with an concussion.
The win marks a first for the women’s soccer program.
“We host a first round game in the playoffs for the first time in the school’s history,” McGinnis said. “That win sealed it.”
Allen (12-3-2) has one more regular season game, at 2 p.m. Tuesday against Cowley.
“We have a chance to get another win before the playoffs start and Cowley is last in the conference,” McGinnis said.
Region VI playoff action starts Nov. 2.
ACC men’s soccer season ends with loss
