Meet 25 southern Maine girls soccer players to watch

2026 Maine Girls Soccer Season: Returning Stars and New Horizons

The 2026 high‑school girls soccer season is set to begin in earnest this August, and the state’s most competitive conferences are brimming with talent. A new crop of returning scorers, midfield maestros, and defensive stalwarts are poised to shape the fall’s playoff picture. From the Class B South’s undefeated Cape Elizabeth squad to the powerhouse Class A North teams, coaches and analysts alike are eyeing the players who will lead their teams to the state tournament.

Preseason kickoff: Portland vs. Lewiston

The season’s first taste of competition came on Aug. 24 when Portland’s senior midfielder Maizie Chalmers faced off against Lewiston in a preseason game that tested both teams’ early‑season fitness. While the match was a low‑scoring affair, it gave scouts a glimpse of the skill that will characterize the coming months.

Class B South

Cape Elizabeth – Aiming for a repeat championship

Cape Elizabeth’s senior midfielder, Alexa Mallory, led the undefeated 2025 campaign with 15 goals and six assists. The Capers finished 10‑0, clinching a Class B state title, and Mallory is expected to anchor a midfield that will push for another championship.

Yarmouth – New offensive lineup

Senior forward Lilah Pernal finished the 2025 season with eight goals and six assists and earned WMC second‑team honors. Under newly appointed head coach Matt Morrill, the Clippers will look to blend Pernal’s finishing ability with fresh tactical approaches.

Falmouth – Dual‑scoring threat

Senior forward Hadley Perry tallied 14 goals and six assists in 2025 and is expected to continue as a key offensive weapon. She will pair with senior Charlotte Talmadge, who logged 10 goals and five assists last year, creating a formidable 1‑2 scoring duo for the Navigators.

Waynflete – Consistent finishing

Senior forward Naomi Rice added nine goals and three assists to the Flyers’ roster in 2025. Rice’s experience and clinical shot will be a key factor as Waynflete seeks to advance deeper into Class C South.

Cheverus – Transitioning to attack

Senior midfielder Olivia Vigue was a second‑team SMAA pick last year. Though she was a defensive stalwart, Vigue will now be tasked with guiding Cheverus from the midfield into a more attacking role, leveraging her ability to control the ball in tight spaces.

Class A South

Portland – Midfield leadership

Senior midfielder Maizie Chalmers contributed six goals and two assists in 2025. Her vision and passing accuracy will be central as Portland pushes for a top finish in the highly competitive SMAA.

Lewiston – Forward firepower

Lewiston’s senior forward Alina Auriemma netted nine goals and added three assists in 2025. A second‑team SMAA selection, she will spearhead Lewiston’s attack and will be a threat to any defense.

Kennebunk – Forward resurgence

Senior forward Ava Bolden has 29 career goals. After improving on a Class A South quarterfinal appearance last year, Bolden will be crucial to the Blue Blazes’ push for a playoff berth.

Westbrook – Experienced forward/midfielder

Senior Ava Bolden is a key player for the Blue Blazes, while Ava Bolden is a senior forward/midfielder for Westbrook.

Thornton Academy – Dual‑position threat

Junior Malia Collins scored 10 goals as a sophomore and will be a core player for the Golden Trojans. Her younger sister, Julia, could also make a freshman impact.

North Yarmouth – Return from injury

Junior forward Delphine Daniel scored 11 goals and recorded three assists in just six games last season before injury. She has now recovered fully and is poised to lead the Panthers’ offense alongside Ellie Seely, who logged 18 goals and 11 assists in 2025.

Traip – Class C South power

Junior forward Jacqueline Diallo produced 20 goals and ten assists in 2025 and will be pivotal for the Rangers as they contend with Maranacook, NYA, and Mt. Abram in the region.

Scarborough – Defensive backbone

Senior goalkeeper Vera DiSotto posted 10 shutouts and a 0.44 goals‑against average as a junior. The Red Storm, winners of four straight Class A South titles, will rely on DiSotto to keep them in contention for a fifth championship.

Senior back Josie Duncan was a regional all‑star and SMAA first‑teamer in 2025, adding two goals and three assists to her defensive duties. Her presence will be critical as Scarborough seeks to maintain its dominance.

Deering – Freshman star

Sophomore forward Matilda Freeman earned SMAA Rookie of the