Monroe Boys' soccer reached  a regional final for the first time in 27 years with a hard earned 2-1 victory over Canton on Tuesday night. The Trojans got off to a flying start in the semi final with a goal from Jovanny Gallegos after three minutes. Gallegos stole the ball on the flank and then cut inside the full back before driving the ball across the face of goal where it took a deflection off the defender and evaded the keeper and nestled in the back of the net.

The game was even throughout the first half until the last 10 minutes when Canton began to apply more pressure. This eventually led to a goal when a left footed shot was too well placed for keeper Nathan Sanchez to save. Sanchez was quick off his line all night and made several important  saves. Bryson Lane also cleared a ball off the line when a goal seemed certain. Right before half time Gallegos played in Yesael Vargas  who was hauled down as he was about to shoot and the referee immediately awarded  a penalty kick. Gallegos dispatched  the ball into the top corner and the Trojans took a deserved 2-1 lead into the half time break.

After the break the Trojans, in anticipation of a big push by the Cobras, switched to a sweeper system with Colin Gray patrolling behind the defense and Jake Steckmeyer and Teegan Simmons man marking the two principal Canton forwards. Cooper Robinson and Bryson Lane protected the wings. The system was effective and keeper Sanchez was only called on a handful of times to make catches and scoop up overhit passes.

The Monroe squad worked tirelessly throughout the second half to keep  their goal intact and deny any shooting chances. Great defensive work by everyone in the back and Logan Brockway and Luis Diaz continually harassed and harried their opponents in midfield turning the ball over in Monroe's favor numerous times.

Although the second half seemed to last an eternity for the watching Monroe fans, the clock did eventually run out on Canton and the Trojan squad had won its first regional game since 1997. It was another historic milestone for the players in a season of firsts and they will now take on SEC rival Saline in the final on Friday at 5:00PM at Fordson High School. 

GO TROJANS!

 #Believe.Achieve!