It's been 20 years since Wyalusing boys soccer took the field, but the Rams are back and ready to show what they can do.

They know, though, that it could be a long road.

"We are focusing on the basics," said coach Jeffrey Homer. "As you might imagine, when you start up any varsity soccer program you've got some level of skills gap, just from having boys that are a little older that haven't played organized soccer since elementary school, or junior high."

While the freshmen have played all the way from youth soccer to junior high and now varsity, for the upperclassmen there will be a learning curve since they haven't played soccer in a while.

"Some guys are up here," coach Homer said, putting his hand above his hand. "And other guys are new to the sport."

That's why Wyalusing is taking things slow as they re-establish themselves.

"It's fun to just focus on the attitude and aptitude," Homer said. "Being a good teammate. That's where the guys that have a little more skills can help the guys that don't."

For the players, right now is about setting the right tone.

"We're definitely trying to re-establish (the culture)," senior Jackson Fischer said. "We're working on the fundamentals, and just working hard every day in practice. We're just trying to have good moments, and just trying to get team chemistry up."

As for positions, every spot is open.

"Everybody is doing their own things," said Grayson Homer. "Everybody is trying out new positions, getting some touches on the ball, and having a good time."

Grayson's thing is defense.

"I like the fact that offense wins games, defense wins championships," he said. 

Fischer played soccer in his youth, and has done just about everything he can during the fall - running cross-country and playing football - before coming back to the pitch.

"I've been juggling everyday, and going to shoot," he said. "Lifting in the offseason has been big for me. My skills have just gotten better, and my confidence, from lifting."

As for team goals, they want to bring the intensity every game.

"There are some hard teams in the league," said Fischer. "If we just come at them with intensity we might surprise some of them."

This season won't be measured by wins and losses, though, but by growth and enjoyment.

"I've loved soccer my entire life," Grayson said. "It's just great to have it."

SCHEDULE

Aug 29 vs Wellsboro, 11 a.m.

Sep 1 at Galeton, 5:30 p.m.

Sep 3 at Athens, 6 p.m.

Sep 5 at Montgomery, 1 p.m.

Sep 8 at Williamson, 4 p.m.

Sep 10 vs Troy, 4 p.m.

Sep 14 at Sullivan County, 4:30 p.m.

Sep 15 at NEB, 4 p.m.

Sep 17 at NPL, 4 p.m.

Sep 23 vs Towanda, 4 p.m.

Sep 26 at Wellsboro, 10 a.m.

Sep 28 vs Galeton, 4 p.m.

Sep 30 vs Athens, 4 p.m.

Oct 3 at Towanda, 1 p.m.

Oct 5 vs Williamson, 4 p.m.

Oct 7 at Troy, 4 p.m.

Oct 9 vs NEB, 4 p.m.

Oct 13 vs NPL, 4 p.m.