Monroe Boys' soccer fought back from the brink of elimination with three goals in the last nine minutes to overturn a 3-2 deficit and win a thrilling district semi final vs Woodhaven on Monday night.

Monroe began the game in confident mood and deservedly led 2-0 after 35 minutes. The first goal was an own goal turned in from an in swinging corner by Trojan captain Bryson Lane. Israel Vargas added a second after another Lane free kick was knocked down by Teegan Simmons and Vargas steered the loose ball home.

Woodhaven responded immediately and two quick goals meant the game was tied 2-2 at the interval. 

Monroe attacked from the start of the second half and made several chances. The best opportunity falling to Vishwas Joshi from a Brian Palmer cross but his close range shot went just wide. Against the run of play the visiting Warriors took the lead when Monroe failed once again to deal with a corner kick. The ball hit the back post and rebounded kindly for a Woodhaven forward to force home. 

Despite sustained pressure it looked like Monroe were headed out of the tournament until Israel Vargas latched on to a bouncing ball outside the box and drilled a powerful shot home from 20 yards with nine minutes remaining. The equalizer spurred the Trojans on and Brian Palmer dribbled in from the left flank before pulling the ball back for Jovanny Gallegos to fire home the go ahead goal. Yesael Vargas added a fifth goal before the end to round out the scoring. A very resilient performance by the team and special mention to freshman EJ Murnighan who deputized for injured senior keeper Nathan Sanchez and made five saves.

Next game vs Bedford in the district final on Wednesday October 16 at 6:00PM (Bunkelman Field)

Monroe now 11-7-2 for the season