CHANUTE — Hesston, you had a problem.
Allen Community College opened the NJCAA-II playoffs in much the same manner it steamrolled through the regular season — by scoring early and often.
The Red Devils (9-2) scored three goals in the first 25 minutes and cruised from there to thump Hesston, 8-0, in the playoff opener.
“We obviously finished our chances early,” head coach Doug Desmarteau said. “We got off on the right foot, moved the ball around well.”
A pair of early scoring chances were narrowly missed before Allen unleashed a fusillade of shots on goal over the next 15 minutes. Jordan Mase got things started at the 35:58 mark with his shot from about 20 yards out after being set up nicely by teammate Temesgn Tezera. Tiago Troyano was next at 28:02, followed by Ben Mnqathu less than five minutes later.
“The first 25 or 30 minutes were probably the best soccer we’ve played all year,” Desmarteau said. “It’s good to be playing the best soccer at the right time.”
Payge Sinclair wrapped up the first half scoring with a goal at the 43-minute mark, then opened the second half the same way, with a goal with 38:33 left.
Mase tacked on his second goal of the match in the 63rd minute.
Several reserves were given extensive playing time throughout the second half.
Brooklyn Vodo put in a rebound off of a corner kick with about 11 minutes left. Cuan Kingwill found the back of the net with less than a minute remaining in the match.
The Red Devils were masterful at sharing the wealth, as six players registered assists on the day. Hingis Moremi had two, while David Almeida, Temesgn Tezera, Mnqathu, Troyano, Mase and Sinclair all had one each.
“We had a few guys dinged up, so it was good to get some other guys in there,” Desmarteau said. “Four or five of the guys didn’t practice this week.”
The victory sets up a Region VI championship match at home Wednesday against Pratt, which shut out Central, 2-0, in their opener Saturday.
Desmarteau is uncertain whether Wednesday’s game will be in Iola or Chanute, with weather the deciding factor.
Saturday’s match, like the women’s on Sunday, was moved to Chanute because of rainy weather. “It will definitely be in one of those two places,” he said.
Pratt has handed Allen its only conference loss of the season. After the Red Devils won, 2-0, at home on April 14, Pratt returned the favor with a 5-1 victory on May 1.
