MONROE — The boys soccer team at Monroe High is coming off its best season in recent history, and Jesus Cornejo was vital to the Redhawks’ success.

Cornejo, a senior, scored a team-high 21 goals to help Monroe finish with an 18-5 record and advance to the 1A state semifinals. He was also second on the team in assists with nine.

For his stellar season, Cornejo was voted to the 1A all-state team by the North Carolina Soccer Coaches Association.

Only three other players in Union County were voted all-state, including Marvin Ridge’s Matt Risher (3A) and Garrett Condon (3A) and Cuthbertson’s Trent Johnson (2A).

“Jesus had a great season for us,” said Monroe coach Rick Kukor. “Despite missing five games with a twisted knee, he still managed to lead the team in goals and finish second in assists. He’s very athletic, fast and he led by example.”

Cornejo, a four-year starter and three-year captain for the Redhawks, was also named all-region and all-Rocky River Conference this past season.

“We’re proud of (Jesus),” said Kukor. “He’s just an exceptional young man that led our program this past season.”

Monroe finished tied for second with Piedmont in the Rocky River Conference standings behind Cuthbertson, but was the top 1A seed for the playoffs since the Panthers and Cavaliers are part of the 2A classification.

The Redhawks finished third in the final 1A state poll by eurosportscoreboard.com.