SOCCER ROUNDUP : Monroe Kicks Los Angeles Out of the Playoffs

Monroe came back from a 1-0 first-half deficit and scored twice in the second half to eliminate Los Angeles, 2-1, Thursday in the first round of the City Section playoffs. The Romans were one of 11 area schools to qualify for the 32-team playoffs.

The Romans (8-2-1) showered their opponent’s net with 12 shots on goal in the first half, but scored once in the 27th minute. Fourteen-year-old freshman Brook Berhanu made a one-touch tap into the Vikings’ net from one yard out off a perfect pass from Miguel Hernandez.

But Monroe (5-2-3), last year’s City Section finalist, rebounded early in the second half. The winning goal came three minutes after the equalizer when Wilson Lopez banged the ball in at close range off a corner kick pass.

In other Friday playoff action:

Bell 9, Marshall 1--Oswaldo Williams scored five times as the top-seeded Eagles (9-0-1) showed no mercy to Marshall (1-6-2). Locke 2, Venice 1--Striker Ricardo Chavez scored the winning shot on a personal play as the Saints (5-3-1) upsetVenice (4-3-2) at home.

Wilson 1, Birmingham 0--Mules goalkeeper Jose Manuel Garcia made two saves during a penalty kick shootout, setting up the winning goal by Enrique Arias. San Pedro 1, Jefferson 0--The second-seeded Pirates (9-0-1) had a tough time holding on to their lead. Forward Michael Di Massa scored the winning goal on a diagonal volley from 15 yards out. Jefferson (5-3-1) outshot the Pirates 12-6.

Chatsworth 2, Lincoln 1--The Chancellors (7-2) stripped the Tigers (3-5-1) from a 1-0 lead with 15 minutes remaining. Hector Umana scored for Lincoln.

South Gate 3, San Fernando 2--Gilbert Mira scored the winning goal with three minutes to go. The Rams (4-5-1) had an early 2-0 lead with goals by Eric Salazar and Freddy Campos.

Garfield 1, Banning 0--Danny Aguilar scored the winner with 10 minutes left.

North Hollywood 3, Dorsey 1--With the game tied at 1 at the half, the Huskies (4-4-2) tallied twice in the second half to upset the Dons (4-3-3).

Because of rain, most Thursday first-round City Section playoff boys’ matches were postponed.

GIRLS’ PLAYOFFS

The playoffs begin Tuesday. Of the six area schools fielding teams, Bell, Garfield and Fremont advanced to the first round. Bell (7-0-1) faces Hamilton (4-5); Garfield (6-1-1) is paired with Westchester (3-3-2); and Fremont (4-2) plays Palisades (8-0).

The four top seeds in the girls’ playoffs--Chatsworth (8-0), San Pedro (8-0), Grant (5-1-2) and Granada Hills (5-1-1)--will have a bye Tuesday and play quarterfinal matches Thursday.

Semifinal matches will be March 2.