Meet 10 southern Maine boys soccer teams to watch in 2026

Maine High‑School Soccer: Top Teams Gear Up for a State‑Title‑Baiting Season

As the fall wind picks up, the 2026 Maine State High School Soccer season is about to kick off. Coaches and players alike are polishing their skills, and the preseason has revealed a handful of squads that could dominate the State Maine Athletic Association (SMAA) competition.

The preview, compiled by the Press Herald’s Drew Bonifant, highlights ten programs that are expected to be the most competitive in Class A South, Class B, and the North. Each team’s roster is a mix of returning stars and fresh talent, offering a glimpse into where the state’s soccer powerhouses may head this season.

1. Gorham Rams – “The Class of the SMAA”

Gorham’s senior‑heavy lineup is returning the bulk of its starting XI, a rarity in the SMAA. Junior midfielder Moises Ntango is on the radar as an SMAA Player‑of‑the‑Year candidate, while Ahmed Abdulzahra and Sawyer Wheaton bolster the attack and defense respectively. Center‑backs Antoine Dube and Liam Delaney earned all‑SMAA honors last year, and seniors such as Will Andreasen, Rowen Reed, Cohen Landry, and keeper Corbin Wilson are back in the trenches. An opposing coach even dubbed Gorham “the class of the SMAA.” Their blend of skill, experience, and continuity makes them the consensus favorite for a state title.

2. Yarmouth Clippers – Defending Champions

The Clippers finished the previous season as the reigning Class B champions and have 17 seniors and eight starters gone, but a deep roster keeps them in contention. Lucas Hayner leads the offense as an All‑America midfielder, while Owen Advani and Finn Grimnes anchor the back line. Midfielders Luke Brown, Karsten Voparil, Angus Mailhot, and Tate MacVane, forward Cole MacVane, and defender Joel Butler are poised to step into larger roles. Yarmouth’s balanced squad makes them a tough hurdle for any challenger.

3. Scarborough Red Storm – Rebuilding with Experience

Scarborough lost nine of the players that brought them last year’s Class A title, yet the program’s core remains strong. Senior Papa Osei is a top‑rated center‑back, while midfielder Connor Casey and striker Trevor Atwood return to starting spots. The attack features Nsimba Ilungo, Joseph Walker, and Yoshua Indondo. Though the midfield and backfield are in transition, players such as Andrew LeFebvre, Alex Jordan, Teddy Read, and Ethan Assia have already proven their worth. Adjusting formations will be key as the Red Storm seeks to maintain its title‑level talent.

4. Brunswick Dragons – Veteran Leadership

The Dragons lost 15 seniors but keep the two stars from last year’s Class A North championship: Oliver Gorchoff, who netted 25 goals and earned KVAC Class A Player of the Year, and Liam Rapoza, a Maine State Coaches Association All‑Region pick. Midfield veteran Asher Foushee joins Rapoza, and netminder Declan Theberge returns after an impressive finish last season. Fresh faces Joelson Malongo and Simon Stadnicki will start on defense. The Dragons’ top‑end talent and experienced core position them as a serious threat.

5. South Portland Red Riots – A Strong Midfield

The Riots advanced to the semifinals in the previous season’s A South tournament and are set to return with a potent midfield. Senior Isaac Arey is a towering center‑back who leads the defense, while Jude Charltray is the keeper. The midfield, featuring Finn O’Connell, Sam Linscott, Anthony Nielsen, and Mervielle Khelendende, dominated possession during preseason scrimmages. Coach Jeremy Longchamp said the team might need to “sacrifice some of the midfield advantage to boost its scoring.” New forwards Ollie Jenkins and Lamed Khelendende could provide the finishing edge the Riots need.

6. Camden Hills Windjammers – Youthful Fire

The Windjammers, who reached the A North final last year, are re‑energized by forward Connor Middleton, who scored 25 goals a season ago. Soren Johnson and Daniel Schenk—the latter returning from a season‑long injury—form a dangerous partnership. The midfield is anchored by Brodie Archer, Simo Nakkila, Sam Pike, and Henk Abess. However, the defense sees a complete overhaul; the starting back line and keeper are all new, with freshmen Des Costigan and Ian Evans expected to make an immediate impact. The team may struggle early but should rise in strength by tournament time.

7. Greely Rangers – Depth in Midfield

The Rangers missed the Class B championship by one goal last season but field a deep program of 70 players. Gavin Byrne leads with seven goals and eight assists, while Duncan Sheff, Kannon Crocker, and Lucas Sproul are key midfielders and defenders. Forward Ethan King returns after a stellar sophomore season, but the team must spread the scoring load after the departure of Connor Skillin, who tallied 29 goals. Johan Clorius, David, and Harrison McAllister are midfielders; Alex Foster, Gabe Lester and keeper James Saxe are set to start.

8. Falmouth Navigators – A New Look

The Navigators lost 11 of 12 starters, including Simon Wissink—the SMAA Forward of the Year who moved to Vermont after a 19‑goal season. Kian Long (formerly a back), Clayton Hickey, and Andrew Cote are key midfielders, while Ewan Tennent, Penn Giard, William Davis, and keeper Wyatt Binnette form a solid defensive core. Jack Verville and Patrick McCrann are two forwards who could spearhead the attack. While the Navigators are still building cohesion, their talent pool suggests they are hard to underestimate.

9. Deering Rams – Speed and Talent

The Rams began the season with a 4‑0 win over Windham and are already projected as a top‑speed, deep team. Christopher Richards is a playmaker in the back, Miles Lawrence leads in assists, and Joel Andre and Dennis Irayoa provide solidity on the back and midfield. Senior Ruben Dasisa (back/midfield) and junior Linden McAuliffe (keeper) are new starters who could make an immediate impact. Deering’s speed, particularly in the midfield, could catch opponents off guard.

10. Kennebunk Rams – Experience in the Core

After graduating nine starters among 15 seniors, Kennebunk still fields a solid roster. Senior Chris Thompson moves from center back to defensive midfield, leveraging his tackling and distribution skills. Senior goalie Griffin Whitney is one of the SMAA’s top keepers. Other starters include forward Clark Abrahamsen, center back Noah Burnham, and midfielder Kallen Peterson. Juniors Oliver Bean and Sam Hammond complement the experienced core, giving Kennebunk a balanced lineup.

A Season of Storylines

The 2026 season promises intrigue across the state. Gorham’s near‑perfect continuity and Yarmouth’s depth set the stage for a showdown. Scarborough and Brunswick each bring veteran leadership, while the Windjammers’ youthful surge and Deering’s speed create exciting possibilities. Coaches will need to blend experience with fresh energy, and the playoffs will likely showcase how well teams adapt to the unpredictable nature of high‑school soccer.