The 2026 boys soccer season in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties is already generating buzz as coaches and analysts name the Elite 11 — a select group of eleven players whose talent, skill and success have set them apart across Section 1.
Elite 11: The Players Who Define the 2026 Class
Josemiguel Ayala of New Rochelle anchors the midfield with his two‑way play and tactical mastery, having led the Huguenots to a share of the Section 1 Class AAA title. Nils Boman from Harrison, a senior defender, helped his side capture their first Section 1 championship since 2008, a defense that scored only twice in the playoffs. Schuyler Brown of Pleasantville, a versatile defender, earned all‑section honors for his quickness and ability to neutralize opposing threats, while Jordan Charalambous of Mamaroneck contributed four assists and twelve goals, including decisive game‑winners.
Liam Cunningham of Albertus Magnus, a junior forward/defender, impressed with his size, physicality and ambidextrous footwork, guiding his team to a Section 1 Class B championship defensively. Liam Keegan from North Salem, a senior midfielder, earned first‑team all‑state honors and helped his squad win two consecutive Class C state titles, serving as the ball‑control engine of the midfield. Adrian Medina of New Rochelle, a senior forward/midfielder, combined relentless work ethic with playmaking flair, while Will McAllister from Scarsdale added eleven goals in just eleven games, noted for his height, speed and finishing.
Kasen Scarperi of Rye emerged as a playoff standout, racking up fifteen goals and twenty‑two assists to propel his team to the Class A state final, and Nico Waldhauser from Tappan Zee, a two‑time all‑section goalkeeper, posted nine shutouts and earned first‑team all‑state recognition for his range, reach and reaction time. Peter Wilmot of Rye, another senior midfielder, was described as 'the engine' of his team’s offense, earning all‑state honors for his defensive excellence and playmaking.
Best of the Rest: Depth Across the Counties
Beyond the Elite 11, the 'Best of the Rest' category highlights additional standouts such as Jonah Aghen, Lucas Apter, Jacob Bricker, Alec Dodge Terra, Tyler Edge, Max Moore, Nick Portanova, Alex Safaei, Charlie Tingo, Griffin Warner and Jo Watanabe, each bringing unique contributions that promise to shape the competitive landscape of high school soccer in the region.