Monday was the final chance for Allen Community College womens soccer team to find the winning formula in their game against Neosho County Community College.
Injuries, including eight concussions, have plagued the Lady Devils this season. Although ACC had opportunities to take the lead, they failed to convert. Neosho found the winning goal with less than five minutes remaining to end the 0-14 season for the Devils.
This was a game we put things together, but couldnt seem to find a way, head coach Jeremy McGinnins said. As hard as the girls worked, they had a hard time converting what we learned in training, and plugging that into the game.
Execution of McGinniss game plan was the ultimate downfall for the Devils this season, but McGinnis highlighted injuries so depleted the ranks that some girls starting games should have been coming off the bench instead.
Now the battle for McGinnis is recruiting the right mix to make an impact for next season.
It is always a battle in JUCO recruiting in getting kids to come to Iola, McGinnis said. I tell them that it is a very friendly and safe community, but on top of a losing season, it just makes it more difficult. Luckily, some girls dont look at that, and want to know what I can do for them and their education.
At the moment, ACC has four commits for the 2020 season, and McGinnis will be recruiting heavily in Kansas over the next few weeks. Learning from this seasons limited squad depth, McGinnis intends to have 30 girls at his disposal for next season.
