MONROE — Wanting to play a tough nonconference schedule this season, the Cheesemakers hosted yet another sectional power. On Tuesday, Sept. 8, Wisconsin Heights/Barneveld overcame an early Monroe goal to upend the host Cheesemakers 2-1 at Badger State Ethanol Stadium.

Monroe had a golden opportunity in the opening minute, as Emiliano Torres Enriquez was fouled in the box just 36 seconds into the game. Josue Torres took the penalty kick, but it was saved by Vanguards goalkeeper Griffin Crowe.

The Cheesemakers didn’t let up on the offensive attack, however. Crowe was forced to make more saves in the opening half than he had the entire season to that point. At the 13:43 minute mark, Torres Enriquez sent a hard shot along the ground from 25 yards out, passed Crowe and into the left corner of the net for the game’s first goal.

Twenty minutes later, the Vanguards tied it thanks to a header by River Lubchansky.

Less than two minutes into the second half, Heights scored for a second time off of a penalty kick by Deacon Behn.

Monroe was back in action at Evansville on Sept. 10, and then will host Edgerton on Sept. 17. Both games are Rock Valley Conference affairs.

McFarland 5, Sugar River 1

McFARLAND — Sugar River dropped a nonconference game at McFarland on Sept. 8, 5-1.

The Spartans scored four first half goals. Drew Brueggemann netted the Raiders’ lone goal in the second half on a free kick from 20 yards out.

Sugar River’s next game was a Capitol Conference clash scheduled for Sept. 10 at home against Columbus.