Temperatures dipped below 35 degrees Wednesday, but Montrell Allen was able to stay nice and warm. The Porters Chapel Academy goalkeeper spent most of the afternoon dodging and diving in front of of a barrage of Central Hinds Academy shots as the Cougars pounded PCA 10-0.

Central Hinds struck first five minutes into the game, sparking an onslaught of goals that came from just about everywhere on the field. The Cougars were able to score off of corner kicks, throw-ins and through balls as they dominated PCA for a decisive victory.

“Really and truly, we’ve just got to learn to stay in space, not to stab at the ball, because that’s been a big problem with us,” PCA coach Thad Wade said. “They’re definitely improving. Just keep improving every day and it will come to us.”

CHA brought a 7-0 lead into the half and scored another goal to open the second half just three minutes in. But in the haze of the lopsided loss, there was indeed a bright spot.for the Eagles.

Allen recorded 21 saves, including a diving penalty kick block, to keep the score from being even worse. The keeper’s athletic play in the net prevented at least five more goals and was the talk of the team as the game came to an end.

“I was very proud,” Wade said. “During practice we usually have some special players come out and play, and they’ll take those kind of shots on him and he saves them. I couldn’t be more proud of him. He played a heck of a game.”

Allen’s best save came on the PK stop, but he had plenty of ones to chose from — giving PCA fans something to smile about in defeat.

“They were tough. They had some pretty sick shots,” Allen said. “It feels good. My defense was great. I still have a few little things to work on, but like Coach (Wade) said, we’re a first-year team. We’re still working out some kinks and whatnot but we’re slowly getting better.”

The Eagles hope to get back on track on the road Friday against Veritas

“Hopefully we can bounce back, play harder,” Wade said. “We’ve got a couple of rematches that we’ve got to take care of that (the players) are ready to play. We’ve got to just keep at it, keep practicing and just stay focused.”