MONROE - For 20 soccer players on the FC Santos of Monroe team, their day doesn't always end when they get home from work.
They still have time for their hobby away from family - soccer.
The FC Santos team, which plays in the South Wisconsin Soccer League, can often be found dribbling and practicing at Twining Park. The dedicated work has paid off as FC Santos of Monroe beat Colonia 2-1 three weeks ago in Janesville to win the South Wisconsin League championship for the first time.
Goalkeeper Jose Garcia, Monroe, started the FC Santos soccer team in 2002 when two players from Beloit wanted to develop a team.
"It's a dream for anyone to start a team to get a championship," Garcia said. "It was a goal to have our own players from Monroe and have our own team."
FC Santos had a league high 50 points this year - 10 more than second place United - and lost just three games. There are 24 teams split into two divisions and FC Santos played in the top division. The team played 21 regular season games. Each game is a two-game series with home and away games in a summer season and tournament that runs from April through October. Since FC Santos doesn't have a field for home games they play on the road every Sunday.
"It's our dream to have our own field to play on Sundays," Garcia said.
He said the team has met with Monroe officials in the past about using Honey Creek Park, but the park was already scheduled.
FC Santos also earned trophies for the best defense and team. The team only allowed 20 goals during the season.
"They know when they play FC Santos of Monroe they will be in trouble on Sunday," Garcia said. "We are trying to keep the guys together from Monroe. A lot of guys want to play on this team because we have one of the best teams in the league."
Garcia said he will be taking the championship and other trophies to the Monroe Library to have on display.
Freddy Herrera, Monroe, played on the team the past seven years, but he took a hiatus to start up a second team in town, Monroe II. He watched FC Santos win the championship from the sideline.
Even though Herrera wasn't on the field to celebrate the championship, he had a hand in building the team. Herrera helped recruit several players playing for the team.
When asked if he would come back and play next summer, Herrera was diplomatic.
"If Jose lets me," Herrera said. "He created the team and he's the owner."
Herrera said it's hard to find places to play soccer in the summer.
"It's good to bring soccer here to Monroe," he said.
Garcia said his first reaction after winning the title was, "party."
The FC Santos of Monroe team will get its chance to party. The team is hosting a celebration open to the community from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday at Heritage House. The community is invited to attend and meet the players.
"We have waited so long to get the championship," Garcia said.
They still have time for their hobby away from family - soccer.
The FC Santos team, which plays in the South Wisconsin Soccer League, can often be found dribbling and practicing at Twining Park. The dedicated work has paid off as FC Santos of Monroe beat Colonia 2-1 three weeks ago in Janesville to win the South Wisconsin League championship for the first time.
Goalkeeper Jose Garcia, Monroe, started the FC Santos soccer team in 2002 when two players from Beloit wanted to develop a team.
"It's a dream for anyone to start a team to get a championship," Garcia said. "It was a goal to have our own players from Monroe and have our own team."
FC Santos had a league high 50 points this year - 10 more than second place United - and lost just three games. There are 24 teams split into two divisions and FC Santos played in the top division. The team played 21 regular season games. Each game is a two-game series with home and away games in a summer season and tournament that runs from April through October. Since FC Santos doesn't have a field for home games they play on the road every Sunday.
"It's our dream to have our own field to play on Sundays," Garcia said.
He said the team has met with Monroe officials in the past about using Honey Creek Park, but the park was already scheduled.
FC Santos also earned trophies for the best defense and team. The team only allowed 20 goals during the season.
"They know when they play FC Santos of Monroe they will be in trouble on Sunday," Garcia said. "We are trying to keep the guys together from Monroe. A lot of guys want to play on this team because we have one of the best teams in the league."
Garcia said he will be taking the championship and other trophies to the Monroe Library to have on display.
Freddy Herrera, Monroe, played on the team the past seven years, but he took a hiatus to start up a second team in town, Monroe II. He watched FC Santos win the championship from the sideline.
Even though Herrera wasn't on the field to celebrate the championship, he had a hand in building the team. Herrera helped recruit several players playing for the team.
When asked if he would come back and play next summer, Herrera was diplomatic.
"If Jose lets me," Herrera said. "He created the team and he's the owner."
Herrera said it's hard to find places to play soccer in the summer.
"It's good to bring soccer here to Monroe," he said.
Garcia said his first reaction after winning the title was, "party."
The FC Santos of Monroe team will get its chance to party. The team is hosting a celebration open to the community from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday at Heritage House. The community is invited to attend and meet the players.
"We have waited so long to get the championship," Garcia said.
