Timothy Christian forward Jimmy Allen got healthy at just the right time of the year — as the Trojans embarked on the Class 2A boys soccer playoffs.
Allen had been battling hamstring injuries and missed games during the regular season, but the senior scored nine goals in playoff victories over Plano, St. Joseph and Kaneland.
“I cannot say that I am 100 percent right now,” Allen said. “I am probably 90 to 95 percent. As we have been getting into the playoffs, I have been able to run a lot faster. Coming back (initially), I was able to run, but I was not able to give it my all.”
Allen credits his recent surge in goals to his improved health, but he knows that there is much more to it.
“Teammates, I cannot score if I do not have the ball,” Allen said. “Someone has to pass it to me, so I credit my teammates for all that.”
However, Allen and his teammates were held scoreless in the sectional final on Friday as host Wheaton Academy prevailed 3-0 in West Chicago.
The Trojans (17-7) advanced to the title game thanks to Allen’s second-half, game-winning goal in a 3-2 victory over Kaneland on Wednesday. Allen scored off a corner kick struck by senior captain Michael Martens.
“Michael actually placed it perfect,” Allen said. “(It was) right at the penalty kick (spot), and I was able to get a head on it.
“It is special. Every goal is special. It is something that I will not ever forget as I move on.”
Allen’s return to form late in the year is one of the main reasons the Trojans reached the sectional final, according to Timothy Christian coach Stephen Fernandes.
“His big thing is speed. He does one move and blows by a guy,” Fernandes said. “He is a great finisher. These last few games, he has been getting back in shape … kind of figuring out again. He was on fire the last few games. I do not think we are here without Jimmy.”
Allen, who has committed to Western Michigan for baseball and plays shortstop, has been on the varsity soccer team since he was a freshman. He scored 21 goals this season and finishes his career with 108 total.
While Allen was sidelined, Timothy Christian relied heavily on Martens, who led the team in goals (30) and assists (22).
“Having Jimmy out a lot of the season put a lot on my back,” said Martens, a forward.
The Trojans ended the season the same way it started: They lost their season opener 9-1 at Wheaton Academy (22-4) on Aug. 24.
The final score in the rematch was reflective the Trojans’ improved play, and lent hope for the future. Between its goalie and four defenders, Timothy Christian will only lose one player to graduation
“A lot of the guys really stepped up, especially the keeper (junior Nick Johnson). He worked really hard these last two months,” Martens said. “The way he was tonight, a lot of those were great saves. He really improved.
“Especially our back line (junior Isaiah Whitaker, freshman Mike Vogt, senior Ben Helmkamp and sophomore Harrison Stanton), they really started to work together. Not one individual worked by himself.”
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Patrick Kelly is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press