MONROE - Junior Kennedy Ludwig dribbled between several defenders and then punched in a goal to the near post in the 66th minute to give the Monroe High School girls soccer team a 1-0 win over Mauston in a WIAA Division 3 regional semifinal game Thursday at Honey Creek Park.
Monroe (8-8-3) had to survive a couple of shots by the Golden Eagles in the final 5 minutes. However, Monroe sophomore goalkeeper Anna Latimer proved up to the challenge and came up with two critical saves to preserve the win.
"We didn't know what to expect because we have never played Mauston before," Ludwig said. "It feels really good. It was nice to get a home game and have our fans supporting us. The season has been tough with injuries, low numbers and a young team. It was good to win to keep it going for the seniors."
Monroe (8-8-3) advances to play Madison Edgewood (13-4-2) in a regional championship game at 4 p.m. Saturday in Madison.
The Cheesemakers outshot the Golden Eagles 28-14.
"The scoreline doesn't reflect the effort and skill the girls put into this game," Monroe coach Kyle Kasten said. "I can't complain with 28 shots as a team. If one or two of those bounce the other way, it's 2(-0) or 3-0."
After a scoreless first half, the Cheesemakers got the break they needed on junior Morgan Seffrood's pass to Ludwig in the 66th minute. Ludwig got behind the defense and dribbled between defenders before firing a shot into the net to give the Cheesemakers a 1-0 lead at 65 minutes, 2 seconds.
"Morgan gave me a great pass," Ludwig said. "I got behind the defense and kept dribbling. The goalie didn't come out on me so I passed it in."
Ludwig had a breakaway run from midfield in the 84th minute to the goal and Mauston goalie Lindsey Harvey made a diving save on a shot.
Latimer had 14 saves.
The Cheesemakers are now gearing up for a rematch against the Crusaders, who defeated Monroe 2-1 earlier this season.
"I think it will be a good matchup," Ludwig said. "It was a great game for us last time. To get a win against the No. 1 seed would be huge for us."
Kasten recalled how close Monroe played Edgewood during the regular season.
"They came back in the final 10 minutes to beat us the first time," Kasten said. "They have a quality team and program. They have a great reputation. They are the No. 1 seed in one of the toughest sectionals in the state."
Monroe (8-8-3) had to survive a couple of shots by the Golden Eagles in the final 5 minutes. However, Monroe sophomore goalkeeper Anna Latimer proved up to the challenge and came up with two critical saves to preserve the win.
"We didn't know what to expect because we have never played Mauston before," Ludwig said. "It feels really good. It was nice to get a home game and have our fans supporting us. The season has been tough with injuries, low numbers and a young team. It was good to win to keep it going for the seniors."
Monroe (8-8-3) advances to play Madison Edgewood (13-4-2) in a regional championship game at 4 p.m. Saturday in Madison.
The Cheesemakers outshot the Golden Eagles 28-14.
"The scoreline doesn't reflect the effort and skill the girls put into this game," Monroe coach Kyle Kasten said. "I can't complain with 28 shots as a team. If one or two of those bounce the other way, it's 2(-0) or 3-0."
After a scoreless first half, the Cheesemakers got the break they needed on junior Morgan Seffrood's pass to Ludwig in the 66th minute. Ludwig got behind the defense and dribbled between defenders before firing a shot into the net to give the Cheesemakers a 1-0 lead at 65 minutes, 2 seconds.
"Morgan gave me a great pass," Ludwig said. "I got behind the defense and kept dribbling. The goalie didn't come out on me so I passed it in."
Ludwig had a breakaway run from midfield in the 84th minute to the goal and Mauston goalie Lindsey Harvey made a diving save on a shot.
Latimer had 14 saves.
The Cheesemakers are now gearing up for a rematch against the Crusaders, who defeated Monroe 2-1 earlier this season.
"I think it will be a good matchup," Ludwig said. "It was a great game for us last time. To get a win against the No. 1 seed would be huge for us."
Kasten recalled how close Monroe played Edgewood during the regular season.
"They came back in the final 10 minutes to beat us the first time," Kasten said. "They have a quality team and program. They have a great reputation. They are the No. 1 seed in one of the toughest sectionals in the state."
