MONROE — While the Cheesemakers struggled in the Alternate Fall soccer season this past spring, there is hope moving forward. For one, every player is back this fall. And secondly, everyone is healthy, which wasn’t the case four months ago.

“My initial goal for this program is to complete a regular season schedule with a positive win/loss record,” said coach Matt Bodeau, now in his second season. “I expect each player to understand that what matters most is not how much you have, but how much you give.”

The Cheesemakers failed to win a game a year ago, but between injuries and an overall young team playing without any seniors, everyone gained experience. Those who missed time due to injury, like now-senior Jason Carpenter, get a chance to play a full season. Others, like now-seniors Luis Torres and Sam Tinoco, had a little more attention from opposing teams and still made heads turn. Carpenter and Torres have been approached by various college programs about the prospect of playing at the next level.

“Torres excelled in one vs. one situations, setting up attacking opportunities and capitalizing on any space unwisely left to him,” Bodeau said. “Tinoco was an absolute force of nature in his attacking midfield position in the spring, carrying the ball through the midfield while defying all opponents attempts to detain him.

“John Reinders lent both authority to our defense in the midfield and direction to the beginning of our transitions. Jack Carter saved us a tremendous number of times from his position as keeper last season. Luis Munoz-Garcia will play a large part in our midfield. His first touch, vision and confidence were vital in our spring season.”

Lastly, Carpenter and Ben Sanft, a pair of center backs, will set the defensive tone, Bodeau said. 

New to the roster this year will be Sebastian Watkins, a junior, who returns after a playing hiatus. Also returning is senior Drew Rikkers, who left Monroe a few years ago and is back.

“The upperclassmen on the team are looking forward to reuniting with their teammate on the field,” Bodeau said of Rikkers. 

In all, there are eleven seniors on the squad, plus three juniors. There are also three sophomores and a freshman that could see varsity minutes, along with some junior varsity time. 

All home games but one will be played at TR Holyoke Field at Monroe High School this fall, under the stadium lights. Positional relationships, which began to grow this past spring, will have a change to come to fruition this fall, Bodeau said.

As far as what to improve on, “We have our attention on converting set pieces and selecting attacking opportunities wisely,” Bodeau said.

With the Badger Conference realignment, there is more room opening up for teams to climb up the table. However, Bodeau expects Oregon to have a strong showing this fall. “In all of our past matches they have consistently managed to establish their rhythm with composure.