Monroe County features some of the top high school soccer talent around, as evidenced by the names on this year’s Republic-Times All-Local Soccer Team.

Player of the Year

Matthew Roderick, Columbia: Roderick completed another spectacular season in 2014, and led the way for the state champion Eagles. The senior forward scored 20 goals and added nine assists to earn All-State honors for the second straight year. Roderick was a no-brainer for the R-T’s Player of the Year honors.

All-Local Team

Andrew Reinholz, Gibault: Another two-time All-State selection, Reinholz capped a phenomenal career with another superb season for the Hawks. In addition to scoring four goals to go along with three assists, the Rockhurst-bound senior also provided strength and leadership to a young Gibault team this fall. Reinholz will go down as one of the best players in Gibault soccer’s illustrious history.

Kane Osterhage, Waterloo: Osterhage had a breakout season in 2014 to help lead WHS to conference and regional championship titles. The junior midfielder was the centerpiece of a potent Bulldogs offense, notching 17 goals and seven assists.

Tyler Begis, Waterloo: Another emergent star, Begis was a reliable scorer for the Bulldogs this season. The junior tallied 12 goals (six of which were game-winners), and added nine assists.

Patrick McDermott, Columbia: McDermott did it all for the Eagles this year. One of the team’s three captains, the senior scored six goals and added three assists while also anchoring the Eagles’ staunch defense, which posted 16 shutouts on the season — including six in the postseason.

Ryan Gudeman, Columbia: One of the unsung heroes for the state champs, Gudeman had a sensational season for the Eagles. The senior helped his classmates go out on top with

an impressive stat line of 12 goals and 14 assists.

Sean Rickey, Columbia: Rickey was another great playmaker for the Eagles. The junior midfielder, known for his trademark flip throw-in, scored eight goals and added 10 assists this season.

Ethan Shields, Gibault: Another of Gibault’s senior leaders, Shields wrapped up his career with another terrific year. Making the move from defense to midfield, Shields established himself as an offensive force, scoring four goals while assisting on nine others.

Hunter Brewer, Valmeyer: Brewer was tremendous this fall, helping the Pirates to their best season ever. The senior wrapped up an exceptional career by making a little history of his own, as his 13 goals on the season made him Valmeyer’s all-time leader in career goals.

Clay Metz, Waterloo: Yet another member of the ‘Dogs vaunted junior class, Metz had a huge year for Waterloo. The forward found the net 14 times on the season, while assisting on four other goals.

Tyler Chitty and Charlie McGhee, Waterloo: You can’t have one Waterloo goalie without the other. The Bulldogs’ goalkeeping tandem combined for 13 shutouts on the year to help the ‘Dogs to a regional title in 2014.

Honorable mention

Jared Goessling, Waterloo (two goals, 11 assists); Matt Hemenway, Valmeyer (11 goals, nine assists); Jon Kuebler, Columbia (six shutouts, all in the playoffs); Adam Becker, Columbia (eight goals, 12 assists); Ben Mueth, Gibault (five goals, five assists); Zach Rueter, Gibault (five goals, one assist)