The Allen Community College men’s soccer program finished last season with a 5-13 record and 2-8 mark in Jayhawk Conference play, but that doesn’t stop the Red Devils from setting their goals high and aiming for a Jayhawk division championship in 2016.
The Jayhawk Conference is dividing the league into two divisions this season. With a deep squad returning, Allen coach Doug Desmarteau has high expectations for his team.
“If we put it together, I think we can win our conference, our side,” Desmarteau said. “From there it is one game at a time and try to get to the region and see what happens, but the big goal is make the playoffs first and see if we can win our side of the conference and let the chips fall from there.”
The biggest area of strength for the Red Devils should be their ability to limit their opposition’s scoring chances. They return three key players in their defense.
“Sheldon Booe played a lot last year by subbing into the back line,” Desmarteau said. “Zach Burgey was our starting right back and he brings some leadership back there. Danny Lopez is actually not back yet from the military, but he will be back and started for us last year.”
Behind that strong defense, Allen will be breaking in a new goalkeeper, but it will be a familiar face for the team and coaching staff. Sophomore Sergio Echeverri will take over for the departed James Everett. Echeverri appeared in two games last season, making one save.
“Sergio is the No. 1 guy at the moment,” Desmarteau said. “It will be a battle throughout the preseason, but his experience, his talk and his leadership help.”
Desmarteau has high hopes for the offensive attack as well, with Jordan Velasco back to lead the forwards.
“Jordan is going to be able to put the ball in the net,” Desmarteau said.
Velasco was second on the team with four goals in 2015.
Desmarteau is excited to see who else can step up as goal scorers for his incredibly deep team.
“We have 35 guys and we can only roster 25 so we are having to make some very tough decisions,” Desmarteau said. “We have some guys coming in that I think are going to be key contributors, but we will find out. It is still early, but we are pretty excited.”
The Red Devils first home game is August 26 against Metropolitan Community College-Blue River.
