MONROE - The Cheesemakers opened their season with a positive, yet disappointing 2-2 tie against DeForest.
Coach Tony Stamm said the mood in the huddle after was a little heated, likely from the physicality of a game that had just been played and the missed pair of golden opportunities late in the second half. However, Monroe did soar back from a 2-0 deficit to force the tie.
"It was very physical. We were ready to play more of a skilled game," Stamm said. "The frustration was starting to hit. I think some of it (was) about the no-calls that were going on. You've got to keep your cool to win games. You've got to control yourself."
Football transplant Nigel Tourdot scored both goals for Monroe, one on a penalty kick late in the first half and the second on a launching header in the second half.
"It's huge," Tourdot said of his confidence, after scoring two goals. "Now I know I can score."
Moments after DeForest junior Kyle McNeese scored on a penalty kick (29:19 mark), Tourdot was awarded a free shot and sent it left of the goalkeeper to make it 2-1.
"It was definitely good to get that first one. I got some confidence (from) it," Tourdot said. "It's the first one I've took in a high school game."
In the 49th minute, Tourdot went wide left on a hard shot from the right wing. Only three minutes later, Belsazar Castellanos tried to go left on a penalty kick, but didn't go far enough left and DeForest kept its 2-1 advantage.
In the 60th minute, Tourdot knocked a crossing header into the back of the net to tie it up.
"We're taught to make our runs to the outside back post. I'm taller, (and) I can get a jump on and usually get over guys," Tourdot said. "I know to head it to the opposite side because the goalie can't move to that side fast enough."
Tourdot had the chance to make it a three-goal game and put Monroe in the wins column, but a penalty kick with just 1 minute, 44 seconds left went wide.
"I think the jitters got to me. I tried to blow it past him and just missed it wide left," Tourdot said.
All in all, the Cheesemakers strove through adversity - both physical and mental. DeForest and Monroe players were shoulder to shoulder up and down the field, with several tackles, holds and non-calls allowing the game to run relatively smoothly.
"(DeForest is) a very good passing team. We were playing space at first, and then had to start playing man-to-man," Stamm said.
The Cheesemakers have one day to recuperate before hosting a 4-team tournament on Saturday. Richland Center, Columbus and Jefferson make their way to town for the first-ever Monroe Invite.
"We're really excited - being our first time. Everyone's been looking forward to this for years now," Stamm said. "I'm glad we got it put together. I think it will be a real great day Saturday."
Monroe plays at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The two winning teams in the first round will play for the championship, while the two losing squads will vie for third place.
Notes: DeForest's Aaron Whitehead scored the first goal of the game at 13:16. ... Monroe's game against Waunakee that was scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 16 was canceled. ... Castellanos was yellow-carded for a high kick with six minutes to play.
Coach Tony Stamm said the mood in the huddle after was a little heated, likely from the physicality of a game that had just been played and the missed pair of golden opportunities late in the second half. However, Monroe did soar back from a 2-0 deficit to force the tie.
"It was very physical. We were ready to play more of a skilled game," Stamm said. "The frustration was starting to hit. I think some of it (was) about the no-calls that were going on. You've got to keep your cool to win games. You've got to control yourself."
Football transplant Nigel Tourdot scored both goals for Monroe, one on a penalty kick late in the first half and the second on a launching header in the second half.
"It's huge," Tourdot said of his confidence, after scoring two goals. "Now I know I can score."
Moments after DeForest junior Kyle McNeese scored on a penalty kick (29:19 mark), Tourdot was awarded a free shot and sent it left of the goalkeeper to make it 2-1.
"It was definitely good to get that first one. I got some confidence (from) it," Tourdot said. "It's the first one I've took in a high school game."
In the 49th minute, Tourdot went wide left on a hard shot from the right wing. Only three minutes later, Belsazar Castellanos tried to go left on a penalty kick, but didn't go far enough left and DeForest kept its 2-1 advantage.
In the 60th minute, Tourdot knocked a crossing header into the back of the net to tie it up.
"We're taught to make our runs to the outside back post. I'm taller, (and) I can get a jump on and usually get over guys," Tourdot said. "I know to head it to the opposite side because the goalie can't move to that side fast enough."
Tourdot had the chance to make it a three-goal game and put Monroe in the wins column, but a penalty kick with just 1 minute, 44 seconds left went wide.
"I think the jitters got to me. I tried to blow it past him and just missed it wide left," Tourdot said.
All in all, the Cheesemakers strove through adversity - both physical and mental. DeForest and Monroe players were shoulder to shoulder up and down the field, with several tackles, holds and non-calls allowing the game to run relatively smoothly.
"(DeForest is) a very good passing team. We were playing space at first, and then had to start playing man-to-man," Stamm said.
The Cheesemakers have one day to recuperate before hosting a 4-team tournament on Saturday. Richland Center, Columbus and Jefferson make their way to town for the first-ever Monroe Invite.
"We're really excited - being our first time. Everyone's been looking forward to this for years now," Stamm said. "I'm glad we got it put together. I think it will be a real great day Saturday."
Monroe plays at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The two winning teams in the first round will play for the championship, while the two losing squads will vie for third place.
Notes: DeForest's Aaron Whitehead scored the first goal of the game at 13:16. ... Monroe's game against Waunakee that was scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 16 was canceled. ... Castellanos was yellow-carded for a high kick with six minutes to play.
