The preseason conversation in Central Oregon revolves around five pivotal questions that will shape the 2026 campaign for the region's high school soccer programs. Among them, the most compelling involve the defending champions, the perennial rivals, and the new faces poised to alter the balance of power.
Defending Champions and New Challenges
Bend High's girls soccer squad captured its fourth state title in 2024, completing the season undefeated and returning nearly every starter from that historic team. The centerpiece of that roster is senior forward Shea Manfredi, whose experience and leadership will anchor the offense once again.
Summit's girls team proved to be a formidable adversary, having tied Bend High in a regular‑season matchup last year and finishing the 2025 campaign with 12 victories, a run to the state semifinals, and a promising blend of youth and seniority.
Title Aspirations on the Boys' Side
On the boys' side, Summit has set its sights on a fourth state championship since 2023, having fallen short in the 5A championship game in 2024 and the semifinals in 2025. The team is determined to translate near‑misses into a title.
Bend's boys earned an at‑large berth to the 5A playoffs in 2025, a testament to their growing competitiveness. This season they welcome two new transfers — Bentley Malacon‑Deal and Dylan Douglass — who bring additional experience and depth to a roster eager for a breakout year.
Postseason Momentum Across the Region
Beyond the headline programs, Redmond's boys, Mountain View's girls, Caldera's girls, and Sisters' boys and girls all secured postseason berths in 2025. Sisters, in particular, advanced past the opening round, underscoring the depth of talent throughout Central Oregon.