South Johnston’s Mario Monica scored five goals Wednesday in in Four Oaks to lead the Trojan’s to a 6-1 first-round 3-A state soccer playoff victory over Union Pines .

The visiting Vikings trailed by a 2-0 margin 20 minutes into the match as Monica scored two goals for Trojans. A Union Pines score in the 34th minute by Rafael Pastrana on an assist by Adam Howard brought the match to its halftime tally of 2-1.

Monica struck for a third time in the opening minute of the second half to notch a hat trick and give South Johnston a 3-1 advantage.

Monica scored again in the 44th minute and once more for good measure in the 49th minute to give the Trojans a 5-1 lead.

Carlos Parra rounded out the scoring with a goal in the 64th minute of action.

South Johnston improved to 16-5-1 with the postseason win, while the Viking boys closed the season with a record of 8-13.