Fall 2019 Preview: Monett Soccer

monett-loger-rodriguez

By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

The Monett Cubs had plenty to celebrate in 2018.

• A Class 2 third-place finish
• A No. 2 ranking in Class 2
• A program-record 23 victories in a season
• A seventh-straight district championship

“2018 was a year we will never forget, as we reached so many goals as a team and individually,” said head coach Cristobal Villa, the Class 2 Central/Southwest Region Coach of the Year (public). “One of the things that I was surprised about with this team is how they always come together when it matters. It is hard to keep all the boys focused after so many games.

“And, after graduating 10 seniors in 2017, we did it again competing against class 3 and 4 schools all season. We were able to defeat good teams with great programs, such as Glendale and Springfield Catholic.”

So, how do the Cubs equal, or top, what they accomplished in 2018? They reload.

In addition to 10 experienced returnees, Monett also will have the largest incoming class in program history with 14 freshmen.

“I hope to have at least three or four players that can help us on varsity,” Villa said. “I am super-excited also to see new faces and these players will be helping our squad on offense and defense – soon, they will make a name for themselves.”

What can’t be ignored are the players the Cubs lose to graduation, highlighted by Jason Puente.

The highly decorated forward scored 47 goals, to go with 28 assists in 2018, shooting him to the top of the record books with 185 career goals.

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In 2018 alone, Puente was named to the All-Midwest Regional Team by United Coaches; Class 2 Co-Offensive Player of the Year and all-state first-team; region player of the year; Class 2 District 9 First-Team; All-Big 8 Conference Player of the Year and First-Team honoree. Puente will be taking his talents to Crowder College this fall.

“Besides being a talented player on the field, Jason exudes class with his sportsmanship and benevolent manner toward his opponents and officials,” Villa said. “He has been the first player to score the most goals as a freshman, sophomore, junior and now senior. Jason is not only known as a threat to score, but he will drop down to stop his opponents attack with equal determination. He is an overall player.”

Other key losses for Monett, which shared the Big 8 Conference championship with Springfield Catholic and Logan-Rogersville, include:

Brayan Rodriguez, a defender who scored two goals and had four assists. He was all-state first-team, region defensive player of the year, first-team all-district and all-conference. “Brayan played a big role in our team success,” Villa said. “He didn’t just defend but was a threat when attacking. He has a very unique style of play and his chemistry with our defense and midfielders is tremendous.”

Wayne Verhoff, a defender, was an all-district second-team selection. He scored two goals and had six assists and totaled 12 goals in four years. “Wayne was a captain of the team and played varsity for four years. His size and speed will be hard to replace.”

Villa has 10 returning players he is confident in leading the Cubs back to the postseason.

Joshua Patino, a junior goalkeeper, was an all-district second-team and all-conference honorable mention selection. “Joshua will play a big role this season to help us continue to have a winning season. He has been our varsity goalie since his freshman year, and he will be bringing back all the experience from the last two years.”

David Moncivaiz, a senior defender, was second-team all-district. “David likes challenges and last year was not an exception. David is super-strong and aggressive. We are expecting him to be a leader on and off the field.”

Jony Perez, a junior defender, was second-team all-state, first-team all-district and second-team all-conference. “Jony is a solid and smart player who reads the game very well. He is not afraid to play the ball in the back side and gives the team confidence. This year, he will be moving to play as a midfielder.”

• Senior midfielders Esvin Merida (first-team all-district, second-team all-conference) and Joey Semerad (second-team all-district). “These two players were our two center midfielders and the brain of the team. We are excited to see what they can do for us this year.”

Loger Rodriguez, a senior midfielder, was an all-state honorable mention, first-team all-district and all-conference selection. He scored 24 goals and had 22 assists. “Loger was our second-best goal scorer behind Jason Puente. We still believe his best year is yet to come. His shot and quickness make him very dangerous and a threat to any opponent.”

Gerardo Patino, a senior forward, was all-district honorable mention and all-conference second-team. “Gerardo played injured for the majority of the season, and even though he was injured, he was still able to score goals and assist his teammates. I know he wants to prove himself this year, and we just hope to keep him healthy.”

• Junior midfielders Eduardo Trujillo (honorable mention all-district) and Eduardo Rodriguez (honorable mention all-district). “I describe these two as ‘Speed & Endurance.’ Trujillo is very fast and we are looking forward to using that speed in the attack. Rodriguez has a phenomenal touch with the ball and a great shot from outside the box. These two players are hungry to shine this year.”

Lizandro Villa, junior defender/forward. “Lizandro was the best sub we had and without him, we wouldn’t have made it this far. This year, he has a chance to start and continue to help us even more. Lizandro played all over the field in different positions.”

Coach Villa said the Cubs’ biggest strength heading into the 2019 season is the experience they have had the past four years and that they have returning.

“We are looking forward to having each of our players reach their goals,” Villa said. “We know that if they do, in the end it helps the team and we always focus as a team first.”

Monett will participate in a jamboree with Joplin and Carthage on Aug. 27 at Joplin before hosting Parkview on Sept. 3 to open the season.

“Our team expectation is the same as it has been the last 3-4 years – we want to be state champions,” Villa said. “The key is to continue to work hard, be humble and don’t look back. We must be hungry from Day One until the last day.

“We have no doubt we have the team to do it. It will depend on whether we execute or not.”

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