The 2026 CIAC girls soccer season is quickly approaching, and teams across Connecticut are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting campaign. The season will officially commence on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, with several key matchups scheduled that day, setting the stage for a competitive year ahead.
Last year's champions, who made history as first-time winners in their respective classes, will be looking to defend their titles. Greenwich took home the Class LL championship, while Masuk claimed victory in Class L. Foran emerged as the Class M champion, and Morgan secured the Class S title. Each of these teams will be eager to establish themselves once again as formidable opponents in the tournament.
As the season unfolds, several standout players from the previous year will return to the pitch. Among the returning GametimeCT All-State selections are Molly Benson from Mercy and Addison Girard from Simsbury, both of whom were recognized for their exceptional performances. Other notable players include Taryn Czick from St. Joseph and Brooke Hacker from Farmington, who are expected to make significant contributions to their teams this season.
Key games to watch in the early part of the season include a highly anticipated matchup between Masuk and Notre Dame Prep on September 8 at 4 p.m. This game has developed into a fierce rivalry in recent years, particularly after Masuk's success in last year's Class L state championship. Another notable contest is the Farmington versus Simsbury game on September 16 at 6 p.m., which could serve as a preview for the Central Connecticut Conference (CCC) championship later in the season.
Other significant games include North Haven's visit to Cheshire on September 17 and Valley Regional's matchup against Morgan on September 18. The latter game is a rematch of last year's Class S quarterfinals, where Morgan triumphed in a thrilling penalty shootout. Additionally, the clash between Ridgefield and Greenwich on September 18 will be a rematch of the previous season's Class LL semifinals, which Greenwich won on their way to the championship.
The CIAC has made notable adjustments to the tournament seeding process for this season, shifting from a system based solely on winning percentage to one that incorporates the strength of each team's schedule. This change aims to create a more competitive environment, ensuring that the top teams are rewarded for their performance throughout the season. The new seeding criteria will take into account data from the last four regular seasons, alongside league multipliers that reflect each league's overall strength.
As the season progresses, the FCIAC remains a dominant conference, with 14 teams competing in Class LL. Traditional powerhouses such as Amity, Mercy, and Notre Dame Prep are expected to contend for the title once again, alongside strong competitors from the CCC like Glastonbury and Farmington. In Class L, Simsbury will be a team to watch, along with East Catholic and Wethersfield, while Northwest Catholic seeks to reach its fourth Class M final in recent years.
The CIAC girls soccer championship dates have also been announced, with playdowns scheduled for November 4 and the finals set for November 21-22 at a location to be determined. As the teams prepare for the season ahead, fans can expect thrilling matches and intense competition as they vie for the coveted state titles.
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