Goshen, N.Y. – The Monroe-Woodbury Class AA boys and girls soccer state championship teams were celebrated by the Orange County Legislature at Thursday’s meeting at the Government Center.
The girls varsity defeated Albany-area’s Bethlehem 1-0 for the state title on Sunday, November 11th in Dryden, which is located near Cortland. Just three hours later, the Monroe-Woodbury boys varsity team put away Buffalo’s Clarence 2-0 at Faller Field in Middletown to complete the Crusaders’ historic sweep. Both teams received certificates of recognition from the Legislature and Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus.
“These championships are a tribute to both teams’ dedication, perseverance and hard work,” Chairman of the Legislature Steve Brescia said. “Winning a state championship is no easy task and it shows the character of each player and coach in the Monroe-Woodbury soccer program. These Crusaders have made their families, school and Orange County proud, and we enjoyed having the opportunity to recognize them.”
Coached by Kenny Clearwater, the Monroe-Woodbury boys soccer team finished the season 21-0, outscoring opponents 68-5. The Crusaders are the first Section 9 (Orange, Sullivan, Ulster and part of Dutchess County) boys soccer team to win a state title since Newburgh Free Academy in 2009. The Monroe-Woodbury girls went 19-1-1, losing only to Dutchess County’s Arlington 1-0 in the fourth game of the season.
The Crusaders came back to beat Arlington 1-0 in the opening-round of the Class AA state tournament. Only two other local schools have won state girls’ soccer championships, Washingtonville (Class AA, 2012) and S.S. Seward (Class D, 1987, 2007, Class C and Class D co-title in 2008).
“I followed my alma mater’s teams closely during their exciting runs to soccer state championships and I’m proud of their accomplishments,” said Neuhaus, a 1992 Monroe-Woodbury graduate. “They represented Orange County well on and off the field and their impressive runs will always be remembered at Monroe-Woodbury. I offer the Crusaders my sincerest congratulations and also want to thank the community for embracing and supporting these student-athletes.”
For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.
###