With the 2026 CIAC boys soccer season on the horizon, fans and coaches alike are eager to see which players will rise to prominence. This year, a mix of seasoned seniors and promising juniors are expected to make significant impacts on their teams. Here are 25 players who stand out as key figures to watch this season.
Jonathan Adadjo, Tolland, Sr., F: A pivotal player for Tolland, Adadjo was named the MVP of the 2024 Class M championship. In the 2025 season, he scored 17 goals and provided five assists, contributing significantly to Tolland's back-to-back state titles.
Tyson Brenes, Wolcott, Sr., F: Last season, Brenes showcased his scoring prowess with 29 goals and 12 assists, earning him CSCA All-State honors and a spot on the All-NVL first team. With a total of 55 career goals, he is just five shy of breaking Wolcott's all-time scoring record.
Brendan Burney, Tolland, Sr., M: As a two-time Class M champion, Burney had a solid season last year, scoring five goals and assisting on four. With expectations high for his senior year, he is poised to take on a larger role and could be a game-changer for Tolland.
Joe Carroll, Greenwich, Jr., F/M: Carroll returns as a key player for Greenwich, a team that faced tough competition in the FCIAC and Class LL championships last season. As a sophomore, he was a consistent contributor, scoring in double digits for the Cardinals.
Frank Chiurillo, Cromwell, Jr., F: Chiurillo had a breakout sophomore season, netting 24 goals and adding five assists. His performance in the Class S tournament, where he scored seven goals, was instrumental in leading Cromwell to the semifinals.
Ben DelGallo, Granby, Jr., M: A two-time All-State and former All-New England selection, DelGallo has been a significant force for Granby, scoring over half of the team's goals since his debut. Last season, he tallied 17 goals and nine assists.
Paul DiSanto III, Glastonbury, Sr., D: After playing his first season as a fullback, DiSanto is shifting to center back to bolster Glastonbury's defense, which is expected to be a strong unit this year.
Andrew Edward, Middletown, Jr., F: Edward was recognized as an All-New England selection and received honorable mention on the GametimeCT All-State team after scoring 24 goals last season, making him a key player for Middletown.
Tristen Edwards, Haddam-Killingworth, Sr., F: Edwards earned first-team All-Shoreline honors last season, scoring 18 goals and assisting on 20, leading his team to the Class S championship game.
Tommy Francalangia, Berlin, Sr., F/CM: A four-year varsity starter, Francalangia was named an All-State selection in 2024 and scored 20 goals with three assists last season.
Thomas Graziosa, Darien, Sr., D: A first-team All-FCIAC selection, Graziosa is stepping into a leadership role as a co-captain for the Blue Wave, capable of playing both defense and midfield.
Andrew Leibowitz, Notre Dame-West Haven, Sr., F: Leibowitz had a productive junior season, finishing with 17 goals and five assists.
Cooper Little, Avon, Jr., D: Recognized as one of the state's top defenders, Little was an All-CCC selection last season and played a crucial role in Avon's journey to the Class L second round.
Kevin Ly, Bethel, Sr., M: A four-year starter, Ly scored six goals and provided 12 assists last season, earning All-State and All-SWC selections.
Blake Lyons, South Windsor, Sr., M: Along with his twin brother Riley, Lyons helped lead South Windsor to the Class LL semifinals last year and was named a CSCA All-State selection.
Gianni Melaragno, Watertown, Sr., M: Melaragno had a standout junior season, scoring nine goals and assisting on 17, earning him CSCA All-State and first-team All-NVL honors.
Hayden Modica, Xavier, Sr., M: Modica was a key contributor for Xavier, scoring nine goals and assisting six as the team advanced to the Class LL second round.
Anthony Moura, Trumbull, Sr., F: Moura was recognized as an All-FCIAC West selection last year, leading Trumbull in scoring.
Tyler Paniagua, Holy Cross, Sr., M: Paniagua had an impressive season, scoring 25 goals and assisting 10. He is a two-time CSCA All-State and three-time first-team All-NVL selection.
Julio Pena Perez, East Hartford, Sr., F: In his first high school season after moving from Spain, Pena Perez scored 18 goals and earned All-CCC honors.
Cody Raeburn, Farmington, Sr., M: The only returning starter from last year's Class LL quarterfinalists, Raeburn was the second-leading scorer on his team with seven goals and four assists.
Adrian Rodriguez, Staples, Sr., F: Rodriguez was the leading scorer for Staples, helping the team secure both the Class LL and FCIAC championships with 19 goals.
Magnus Smail, Stamford, Sr., G: Smail earned first-team All-FCIAC honors last season, recording six clean sheets as a junior.
Nickoy Smith, Bassick, Sr., F: Smith led Bassick in scoring last year with an impressive 26 goals.
Jack Vendetti, Newington, Sr., M: Vendetti was named a CSCA All-State midfielder last year and played a crucial role in leading Newington to the Class L semifinals.
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