Following their first loss of the season—a 1-0 defeat to Mt. Zion on Monday—the Monticello Sages (4-2) looked to bounce back at home against an undefeated Champaign Centennial squad (6-0). However, the Chargers proved too strong, handing the Sages a 4-1 loss.
Centennial wasted no time getting on the board, scoring early in the first half to take a 1-0 lead. Monticello responded with a few promising scoring opportunities but was unable to convert. Just as it looked like the Sages might head into halftime within striking distance, the Chargers struck again at the buzzer to extend their lead to 2-0.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Centennial maintaining control of the match. The Chargers added a third goal to push their advantage to 3-0 before Monticello found some life. With about 20 minutes remaining, the Sages broke through and found the back of the net, cutting into the deficit and briefly shifting momentum.
However, Centennial quickly responded, scoring again with 16:52 left to play to put the game out of reach at 4-1. The loss marks the second straight home defeat for Monticello.
Centennial was led by Alicia Fernandez, who delivered a standout performance with a hat trick, scoring three goals. Jennavieve Baker added the Chargers’ fourth goal.
Monticello will look to regroup as they return to action Saturday morning at 10 a.m., traveling to Chillicothe for a conference matchup against the Illinois Valley Central Grey Ghosts (1-4-1).
Alicia Trimble and Margo Cassel with Strong Defense
Lexi Leatherwood protecting the Goal