Soccer Teams dribble down memory lane

First-year men's soccer coach Paul Tate asked me to take a few pictures at both the women's and men's alumni games earlier today. When I walked out to Edwards Field, one of the first faces I saw, and was surprised to see was Steve Allan (pictured). Allan drove in from just south of Houston where he now coaches high school boys soccer. Allan coached both the most successful McMurry men's teams and women's team in history. He led the men to three-straight ASC Tournament appearances from 2002-04 including the ASC title game in 2003. His one season where he doubled as the men's and women's coach turned out to be the best season in women's history in 2006. The women finished 5-11-2 under Allan, however, considering the program had just four wins in its first five seasons in existence prior to his head-coaching tenure, coupled with the fact that the team went 4-3-1 in its final eight matches, it was a successful season. McMurry was sad to see Allan go following the 2006 season. His wife got a great job and the couple left Abilene.

However, today Allan was back to greet his former men's and women's players, and he even made an appearance in the men's game as a player. Although I'm not as up on my soccer history as I should be, several key players from past men's and women's teams were on hand today for the festivities, which also included a free barbecue courtesy of Aramark and Terry Juarez.

Some of the women's alumni that played today included Karla Alarcon, Leslie Otts, Marissa Beyelia and Kathy Alonso among others. On the men's side Aaron Foust, Eric Walker, Pedro Encarnacion, Kyle Kalin, Brandon Crawford and Logan Garza along with current assistant and former player Edward Ecupnobi played in the men's game. See the group photos below - apologies that I couldn't get the mixed photo with the men's, there were too many and I couldn't get them all in the shot - also be sure to look below the team pics for links to galleries for today's events.





Men's Alumni Game Gallery | Women's Alumni Game Gallery
Stay tuned ...
-- KR