SPRING GREEN — Under first-year head coach Matt Coplien, the Monroe boys soccer team lost its season-opener 6-0 to River Valley on Tuesday, Aug. 22. The Blackhawks (1-0-0, 0-0-0 Southwest Wisconsin) scored all six goals in the first half, as the Cheesemakers (0-1-0, 0-0-0 Rock Valley) found their defensive stride in the second half.

“I feel we started off very flat,” Coplien said. “That’s when most of their shots got through on net. I’m happy with our competitive level the second half. We just need to fine tune some parts of our game.”

Monroe received three yellow cards in the game, one of which was given to Coplien. Before the game, both teams and the referees agreed on water breaks at the 20-minute mark of each half, given the high temperatures and humidity. The break proved beneficial for the Cheesemakers in the first half. 

“After the first water break, you could see us liven up a bit,” Coplien said. “Carsen Bartholf played a huge role on the defensive end by locking up the outside runners, and Matthew Setterstrom had three shots on goal.”

So when the 20-minute rolled around in the second half and the game continued, Coplien was confused. He argued for the break and, in the end, received a yellow card for his comments.

“We only had three subs for the game, and I didn’t want to lose anyone to a heat-related injury,” Coplien said. “I will always battle for the best interest of my team. If that means having to take a card to keep my guys safe, I’m willing to do that.”

Monroe traveled to another Southwest Wisconsin opponent, Dodgeville-Mineral Point (0-1-0, 0-0-0), on Thursday, Aug. 24. Results of that game can be found in the Wednesday, Aug. 29 edition of the Monroe Times.