CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Sometimes it only takes one player to make a difference in a team-oriented sport such as soccer.

After missing most of the season with a foot injury, junior midfielder Chris Monroy returned to Kubasaki’s starting lineup Friday. The Dragons responded by tying two-time Far East Class AA Tournament champion Kadena 2-2 on Friday and routing Yomei, a Japanese team, 8-1 on Saturday.

“He makes a huge difference,” said Dragons assistant coach Dan Ritter of Monroy, who doesn’t score much but sets up plays and keeps order on the field.

“He’s a brilliant playmaker.”

Kubasaki improved to 2-3-1 and held a 2-1 lead on Kadena on Friday before settling for the tie. The Panthers shut out the Dragons 3-0 in their first meeting April 7.

“Kubasaki has improved, whereas we need to work harder,” Kadena coach Mike Callahan said.

“It probably helped that they (Dragons) had Chris back in their lineup.”

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