Monroe's 2024 season came to an end on Friday night in Dearborn as the Trojans were defeated 5-0 by Saline in the regional final. The Monroe squad matched the SEC Champions in the first half by subduing the twin attacking threats of Jaeydn Sifuna and Zach Heisler and managing to disrupt their passing game. Both Teegan Simmons and Jake Steckmeyer deserve credit for the way they stuck to their marking task. The best chance of the half actually fell to Monroe when senior Brian Palmer broke through but his well struck shot was expertly saved by the Saline keeper Eric Friedholm.

HT 0-0 

In the second half the depth and quality of the Hornets squad began to tell. A penalty and a second goal shortly afterwards knocked the the wind out of the Monroe players and effectively ended the contest. Monroe did revert to two forwards to try and gain some momentum. This led to the Trojans creating some attacking opportunities and Jovanny Gallegos and Brian Palmer both had shots well saved. The switch in formation gave the Hornets more more space to attack and they capitalized adding three more goals before the end. Huge effort by everyone but especially Colin Gray in the back and Luis Diaz, Yesael Vargas and twin Israel Vargas who all played with injuries and in some considerable pain in midfield.

Despite the disappointing result it was nonetheless an outstanding, historic season for the team. Not only first ever wins over AA Pioneer and Dexter and a spot in the top four championship bracket of the SEC Red division, but also a thrilling run through the state tournament with dramatic victories over Woodhaven, Bedford and Canton, resulting in a district championship and a place in the Regional final for the first time since 1997.

Monroe will return 14 players and graduate 9 seniors. 

Graduating Field players: Bryson Lane,©) Jovanny Gallegos ©,  Brian Palmer, Teegan Simmons, Vishwas Joshi, Israel Vargas, Yesael Vargas, Eric Sanchez and goalkeeper Nathan Sanchez. 

We thank them for their immense contribution to the program and wish them well in their future athletic and academic endeavors. 

Monroe Record for 2024 

P23 W 13 L8 T2  F 65 A 46 (+19)            winning percentage 57%  

Great season Boys!  Next game August 2025

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!

Monroe Boys' soccer captured their second district title in four years as the Trojans squad overcame their county rivals Bedford 1-0 in the district final at Bunkelman Field on Wednesday night. It was the first time a  a championship game had been played at the High School since the move from Custer School in 2022.

The game was a tense affair with few clear cut chances for either side. Monroe shaded the first half in terms of possession and time in their opponents half but were unable to fashion a genuine goal scoring opportunity. Monroe switched up their offense with Brian Palmer, Vishwas Joshi, Logan Brockway Edwin Sanchez, AJ Wells and Yesael Vargas all taking turns up front but none were able to find the key to unlocking a stout Bedford defense. At the other end Monroe's keeper Nathan Sanchez had only two long range efforts to deal with.HT 0-0

The two teams remained locked at 0-0 throughout the second half until a long throw in by Cooper Robinson bounced to Teegan Simmons who kneed the ball over the keeper for an unconventional go ahead goal.

Monroe switched their formation to add an additional midfielder in Luis Diaz to retain control of the game, but Bedford pushed forward relentlessly and had the lions share of the play in the remaining minutes.. Monroe's defense of Bryson Lane, Colin Gray, Teegan Simmons, and Cooper Robinson stood tall and kept the visitors at bay. 

The twins Israel and Yesael Vargas had outstanding games, as did captains Jovanny Gallegos and Bryson Lane. Goalkeeper Nathan Sanchez performed heroically in goal having just barely recovered from a high ankle sprain picked up in training. Monroe held on for the narrow win and will now play Plymouth Canton in the regional semi final at Dearborn Fordson High School on Tuesday night October 22nd.

A proud night for Trojan soccer and the occasion was made more special by the attendance of the school marching band, the Trojans cheerleaders and the biggest HS soccer crowd in living memory at Monroe. 

Monroe now 13-7-2 on the season.

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

Monroe Boys' soccer opened 2024 district play with a comfortable 10-0 win over Taylor High School. Vishwas Joshi recorded a memorable personal milestone by scoring half of the Trojan goals with Brian Palmer contributing 4 assists from the wing. The other goals were scored by Palmer, Logan Brockway, Jovanny Gallegos, Edwin Sanchez and Jack Venne on his varsity debut. Additional assists were provided by Israel Vargas (2) Aiden Gray(2) Cooper Robinson and Gallegos. EJ Murnighan claimed the shutout in the absence of the injured Nathan Sanchez.

The visitors were determined but outgunned from the start and a full line change was implemented at 5-0 which gave varsity debuts to freshmen Jaydin Hopper, Nolan Rykse and AJ Wells. Once the score reached 10-0 the team ran out the remaining time on the clock with a sustained period of possession. 

Game ended at Half time so the boys were rewarded for their efforts with an additional 45 minute training session post game. 

Next game vs Woodhaven HS in the semi final on Monday Oct 14 at 7:00PM .

Venue : Bunkelman Stadium

Monroe now 10-8-2 for the season

Monroe Boys' soccer wrapped up their 2024 regular season with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Chelsea on senior night. The Trojans fell behind to an outstanding cross and finish by the visitors but rallied with an equalizer just before half time. Edwin Sanchez was credited with the goal although it may have been last touched by the defender. The goal capped off a a fine move through the field after Teegan Simmons won the ball and linked up with Jovanny Gallegos. His intelligent pass released Yesael Vargas in the box whose hard ,drilled cross was turned in on the goal line. HT 1-1

The second half was all Monroe and they deservedly took the lead when Brian Palmer volleyed home from a perfect Gallegos cross. Gallegos then scored a header from a flighted Bryson Lane free kick. Palmer who, was dangerous on the right wing throughout the second half, then beat his marker on the flank and crossed for Vishwas Joshi to score one of his trademark, quicksilver finishes in the six yard box. Bryson Lane added a penalty sending the keeper the wrong way after Palmer was fouled in the box. There was still time beofre the end for Palmer to force a full length save form the Chelsea keeper with a powerful long range effort. 

A very satisfying result as the team heads into district play. Great performances throughout the team and especially from Israel and Yesael Vargas who once again worked extremely hard winning the ball back and linking up play.

Congratulations to our Seniors Bryson Lane, Brian Palmer, Eric Sanchez, Israel Vargas, Yesael Vargas, Vishwas Joshi, Nathan Sanchez, and Teegan Simmons for all their hard work and contributions to the team . We are proud of you.

GO TROJANS!

Next game Wednesday vs Taylor (round 1 of districts) KO 6:30PM

Monroe 9-7-2 for the season

Monroe Boys' soccer staged a commendable fightback from 3-1 down in the first half to run out as eventual 6-4 winners in an entertaining contest on Saturday morning. The Trojans shared the work with six different goal scorers contributing. (Jovanny Gallegos, Bryson Lane, Brian Palmer, Yesael Vargas, Israel Vargas and finally Vishwas Joshi)  The last goal was particularly memorable with Gallegos cleverly back heeling the ball around the defender and then delivering a perfectly judged chip over the keepers head for Joshi to score with a brave header. A pair of assists each were claimed by Gallegos and both Vargas brothers.

Freshman EJ Murnighan made his full debut between the posts for the varsity team and acquitted himself very well in wet and difficult goalkeeping conditions.

Monroe next plays on Thursday October 3 at Riverview. KO 6:00PM

Monroe now 8-6-2 for the season

Monroe Boys' soccer ended 2024 SEC league play with a hard earned 2-2 tie with Ann Arbor Skyline on Wednesday night. The Trojans dominated the first half by pressing the Skyline ball carriers effectively and were quickest to pick up any of the loose balls and turnovers. Despite this edge in possession the visiting Eagles stung the hosts with a goal 14 seconds before half time. It was a well placed shot but Monroe had the opportunity to clear the ball and run down the clock  and were punished once again for their failure to clear.

The Monroe squad responded admirably after the restart and deservedly equalized when Logan Brockway drove forward and released a perfectly timed pass into the path of the overlapping Yesael Vargas who powered the ball past the keeper. With eight minutes remaining Brian Palmer latched onto a pass from Jovanny Gallegos and rounded two defenders before blasting home. Unfortunately the Trojans could not keep the visitors at bay and with a few minutes remaining Skyline scored after a scramble in the box following a corner.

Very entertaining game but the team was disappointed not to claim the win. Nonetheless the boys showed great character and resilience to bounce back following a tough run against three quality opponents (Saline/Detroit Country Day and AA Huron) in the last week.

Next game vs Belleville (H) 11:30 AM Saturday, September 28 

Monroe now 7-6-2 for the season

Monroe Boys' soccer were defeated by two late goals in the first round of championship bracket play in the SEC Red Division playoffs on Thursday night.

The game was a back and forth contest with periods of possession and attacking play by both sides. Monroe had the upper hand in the closing stages with a header by Vishwas Joshi saved and an errant back pass by the Hornets defense shaving the post with the keeper stranded. From the resulting corner Saline broke away and a robust shoulder to shoulder challenge in the  box was deemed a penalty by the referee. Monroe pushed Teegan Simmons forward and played with three defenders for the remaining five minutes. Another breakaway gave the hosts a lopsided two goal margin of victory in the final seconds. 

An outstanding performance by the Trojans in every department. 

Next Game vs Detroit Country Day on Saturday September 21 at 11:30

Monroe 7-4-1 for the season

Monroe Boys' varsity soccer team chalked up another first with their 1-0 win over Dexter on Monday night. It was the first victory in 14 attempts against the Dreadnoughts. A 2-2 tie in 2022 was the previous best result. (1-12-1 All Time) The game was rescheduled after the rainout on August 27 and the Trojans wasted no time applying pressure on the hosts goal from the start. Logan Brockway, Israel Vargas and Jovanny Gallegos all had shots from long range and Brian Palmer was a constant threat. Dexter rebounded and ended the half stronger and earned a string of corners but stalwart defending by the Trojan defense and keeper Nathan Sanchez kept the goal intact.

The second half was an even affair and the game looked  destined for a 0-0 score line until Bryson Lane intercepted a ball on halfway, marched forward and threaded a precise ball between the central defenders to Brian Palmer who neatly lifted the ball over the advancing keeper. Monroe had further chances to add to their lead but shots by Vargas and Palmer (twice) were well saved by the home keeper. As the game drew to a conclusion forwards Edwin Sanchez, Logan Brockway, Evan Ortiz and Tobin Becker constantly harried the Dexter backline and prevented them building any constructive attacks. Freshman Rooney Scoles also played well in his debut for the Varsity team.

In a further sign of progress Monroe now qualifies for the top four championship bracket for the first time and will play Saline, Skyline and Huron to decide the outcome of the SEC Red title.

Monroe next opponent will likely be Saline away on Thursday Sept 19 at 7:00PM (To Be Confirmed)

Monroe  7-3-1 for the season.

Monroe Boys' soccer were shut out for the first time this year losing 3-0 at home to table topping Ann Arbor Huron on Tuesday night. The Trojans were uncharacteristically sloppy in defense and conceded two poor goals early on. For the remainder of the half the Monroe squad held their own and created several excellent opportunities. Jovanny Gallegos broke through and forced a fine save from the goalkeeper and was again denied from a free kick as his low shot was parried and saved at the second attempt. As the half time whistle loomed yet another lapse in concentration allowed the River Rats to extend their lead right on the stroke of halftime.

HT 0-3 .

The Trojan squad regrouped after the break and played an even half of soccer. Monroe soaked up the pressure at the back more effectively and defended stoutly and managed to get into decent attacking positions. The crosses and the final pass however were not of sufficient quality to produce a goal. Tireless performances from Gallegos and Bryson Lane and Collin Gray was solid and determined in the back. Cooper Robinson's long throw ins were a constant threat for the Huron defense.

Monroe now 6-2-1 for the season

Next game vs Saline (H) on Thursday September 12 KO 7:00PM

Monroe Boys' varsity soccer produced a dominating performance to beat Trenton HS 8-0 on Tuesday night. The Trojans got off to a flying start and scored three times in the first nine minutes. The possession, ball rotation and combination play in that spell was too much for the visitors to handle and Monroe added three more goals before half time. The Trojans pushed the score to 8-0 early in the second half and the game was ended by mercy rule. Brian Palmer contributed half the scoring with a personal tally of 4 goals. Evan Ortiz, Jovanny Gallegos, Israel Vargas and Eric Sanchez added the others. Assists for Gallegos (2) Luis Diaz Cooper Robinson, and Tobin Becker. Nathan Sanchez had the shut out ably assisted by Teegan Simmons Bryson Lane and Collin Gray in the back line. Another promising performance by the team but they will need to be at their best when they face a traditionally very opponent in Bedford HS in their next outing.

JV won their game 4-1 

Monroe 3-0-0 on the season.

Next game vs Bedford (A)

Thursday August 22

 Kick off 7:00PM

Monroe Boys' soccer opened the season with an exciting 3-2 win over Milan. The Trojans fell behind in the first half after a mix up in the penalty box presented Milan with an easy tap in. The Monroe squad controlled the game but were unable to break through a resolute Milan defense. HT 0-1

In the second half the Trojans mounted numerous attacks and their persistence was finally rewarded when a break down the left by Brian Palmer produced a shot for Aiden Gray at the far post to score Monroe's first goal of the season. Jovanny Gallegos added a second from a pass by Luis Diaz and a neat combination between Bryson Lane and Israel Vargas added a third. Milan rallied to pull back a late consolation goal.

Trojans 1-0-0 on the season.

Monroe Boys' varsity soccer team dominated a rain delayed game before running out 5-1 winners over Ypsilanti Community on Saturday at Bunkleman Field. Jovanny Gallegos scored a fine hat trick and Eric Sanchez thundered home a long range effort as time expired. Earlier a dangerous in swinging corner by Luis Diaz was deflected into his own net by a defender for the other goal. An excellent display by the Monroe squad and a well deserved victory in their annual season opening  tournament. 

Monroe 2-0-0 for the season

Next Game: Trenton (H) Tuesday August 20 KO 7:00PM