Perfection defines the Allen Community College mens soccer team at the moment. The Red Devils are 2-0 to start the season with wins over St. Louis CC on Friday and St. Charles CC Sunday evening.
The matchup at St. Louis posed a massive challenge for ACC. Heading into Friday, St. Louis CC was ranked the sixth-best team in the nation, but that didnt keep the Red Devils from sticking to their playbook.
According to head coach Doug Desmarteau, the Red Devils controlled the ball for most of the first half and had opportunities to score, but could not get one in the net. To start the second half, St. Louis came out with pace to break the deadlock, but goalkeeper Zakk Wilce stood firm in goal for ACC. The Red Devils goalie recorded 14 saves to match a clean sheet for ACC.
A St. Louis player was sent off after accumulating a red card for the final 10 minutes of regular time, and the two extra-time periods. Neither side was able to find the back of the net until ACC had a free kick at the top of the box with three minutes remaining in the second overtime. Payge Sinclair was the man to take it, and his ball came off the left post, falling to the feet of Gabriel Olimba who crossed it to goalscorer Roshod Nembhard to hand ACC the 1-0 victory.
The game Sunday at St. Charles was less dramatic, but did endure extreme conditions. Most of the match was played in heavy rain; but the Red Devils did not make excuses. After dominating the opening 30 minutes, Nembhard added to his account with his second goal of the weekend to give ACC the 1-0 lead.
The Red Devils recorded 20 shots with 13 on target, and Wilce stood firm in goal with 13 saves.
Next up for ACC is a trip to Hillsboro on Wednesday in a matchup against Tabor College.
