Monroe's 18 year wait to win a district soccer trophy was finally ended on Thursday night as the Trojans outlasted a tough Woodhaven squad to record a famous 1-0 victory at Custer Stadium. 
The game was played in blustery conditions and both teams struggled initially to adjust to the swirling wind. With the breeze playing havoc with both teams passing games the game became a war of attrition in midfield and Monroe's midfield trio of Lucis Rzepa, Isaac Langerman and Austin Dunn were up to the task constantly winning back the ball with brave tackles and decisive headers. Despite playing into the headwind in the first half Monroe did play the better attacking soccer and forwards J'von Miller and Xander Middleton combined well and forced the Woodhaven keeper to make several  decent saves. Talen Swinkey linked up play well and kept the attacks alive with a series of clever passes. When Woodhaven did press forward Manuel Diaz, Logan Janes and Daniel Presa were on hand to subdue any threats. In goal Braden Setzler had a quiet half beyond catching a few crosses and mopping up some over hit through balls.

Half Time Monroe 0-0 Woodhaven
In the second period the tension was ratcheted up as the  teams remained deadlocked. As the clock ticked past  the hour mark it became clear that one goal for either team would likely be the difference.A key battle became the match up between Monroe's Manuel Diaz and Woodhaven's main striker. Diaz produced a masterclass in calm patient 1vs1 defending limiting the spearhead of their offense to a series of corners and ensuring Setzler had no dangerous shots to deal with in goal.

As Woodhaven appeared to be gaining the upper hand, J'von Miller was withdrawn back into midfield and the influence of the extra midfielder began to turn the tide back in the Trojans favor. With 11 minutes to go the breakthrough finally came. A deep corner from Austin Dunn found Xander Middleton at the far post. He steered the ball back across goal and in the scramble Noah Stein turned the ball over the line for the all important goal.

Monroe reverted to a four man defense for the remaining ten minutes and despite the best efforts of the visiting Warriors the home side successfully ran down the clock without further incident. There were great scenes of celebration at the final whistle as the Trojan Boys claimed their first play off trophy in almost two decades.

Former district winning player and long time supporter of the program Michael Allen of Allen Chevrolet was on hand to present the trophy to the jubilant winning team.

 Proud day for the MHS soccer program!
GO TROJANS!

Next game Regional Semi Final vs Grosse Point South

at Edsel Ford High School Tuesday October 26 at 5:00pm