MONROE - After senior Sami Curtis' goal in the first 10 minutes of Tuesday's game, the Monroe High School girls soccer team had defending WIAA Division 2 state champion Oregon on the ropes for the first half.
However, Oregon's Makenna Fanning had one goal and one assist, and the Panthers scored three times in the second half en route to a 3-1 win over the Cheesemakers at Honey Creek Park.
"We talked a lot about how we were going to play this game by staying well ahead of the ball and staying connected," Monroe coach Miriam O'Neill said. "The girls were very determined to do that. They played their hearts out. It was a very exciting game. They played as hard as they possibly could."
Beset by a couple of injuries, Monroe (8-3-2, 0-2-1 Badger South) canceled the junior varsity game so it could use more players for the varsity game.
"With a 90-minute game it's so difficult with a roster of 12 players," O'Neill said. "Oregon is a very strong team. I think it says a lot that we were able to keep them (off the scoreboard) for 53 minutes."
The Cheesemakers struck first with Curtis scoring on an assist from sophomore Morgan Seffrood at 9 minutes, 57 seconds.
"They made the most of their opportunities in the first half," O'Neill said of Monroe. "For the first half, it's probably the best I have seen them play this year."
Fanning scored a goal on a pass from Maddlyn Peach at 53:10 to tie the game at 1.
The Panthers (8-2-2, 3-0 Badger South), ranked fifth in Division 2, scored two goals in the final 10 minutes. Taylor Martin scored an unassisted goal at 80:56 to give the Panthers a 2-1 lead. Oregon's Holly Kaboord sealed the victory with a goal on an assist from Fanning at 89:48.
"Those last two goals are because players are so worn out," O'Neill said. "It's really hard to focus for 90 minutes and keep up that level of play."
Monroe freshman goalie Anna Latimer had a game-high 21 saves.
"She (Latimer) did a magnificent job in goal," O'Neill said. "She really took command. Our defense was fantastic with their communication."
However, Oregon's Makenna Fanning had one goal and one assist, and the Panthers scored three times in the second half en route to a 3-1 win over the Cheesemakers at Honey Creek Park.
"We talked a lot about how we were going to play this game by staying well ahead of the ball and staying connected," Monroe coach Miriam O'Neill said. "The girls were very determined to do that. They played their hearts out. It was a very exciting game. They played as hard as they possibly could."
Beset by a couple of injuries, Monroe (8-3-2, 0-2-1 Badger South) canceled the junior varsity game so it could use more players for the varsity game.
"With a 90-minute game it's so difficult with a roster of 12 players," O'Neill said. "Oregon is a very strong team. I think it says a lot that we were able to keep them (off the scoreboard) for 53 minutes."
The Cheesemakers struck first with Curtis scoring on an assist from sophomore Morgan Seffrood at 9 minutes, 57 seconds.
"They made the most of their opportunities in the first half," O'Neill said of Monroe. "For the first half, it's probably the best I have seen them play this year."
Fanning scored a goal on a pass from Maddlyn Peach at 53:10 to tie the game at 1.
The Panthers (8-2-2, 3-0 Badger South), ranked fifth in Division 2, scored two goals in the final 10 minutes. Taylor Martin scored an unassisted goal at 80:56 to give the Panthers a 2-1 lead. Oregon's Holly Kaboord sealed the victory with a goal on an assist from Fanning at 89:48.
"Those last two goals are because players are so worn out," O'Neill said. "It's really hard to focus for 90 minutes and keep up that level of play."
Monroe freshman goalie Anna Latimer had a game-high 21 saves.
"She (Latimer) did a magnificent job in goal," O'Neill said. "She really took command. Our defense was fantastic with their communication."
