State Championships Set for Thrilling Finale
The 2026 high school soccer season in the Matanuska‑Susitna region will culminate this weekend as the ASAA Division I and II state championships unfold at three separate sites. Palmer, Wasilla and Colony high schools will host the finals for both boys and girls varsity teams, bringing together the top squads from across the state.
Among the standout teams, the South Anchorage girls have entered the tournament undefeated since the 2024 state finals, a streak that has kept them atop the Division I rankings. Their perfect run has made them the team to beat, and coaches expect a fierce battle for the title.
On the boys side, Dimond entered the postseason with a flawless record, having won 15 straight games after a hard‑fought tie with defending champion West Anchorage to open the season. Their consistency has positioned them as the leading contender for the Division I crown.
Soldotna’s Stars program has also generated buzz, with both the boys and girls squads posting identical 12‑2‑2 regular‑season records and earning the top seeds in Division II. The teams are aiming to add state titles to a season that already featured strong performances.
Key Matchups to Watch
The tournament bracket features a slate of first‑round matchups scheduled for Thursday, with semifinals slated for Friday and the championship games set for Saturday. In Division I, the boys opening round pairs West against South, Colony against Juneau, Dimond against Chugiak, and West Valley against Service. The girls opening round includes Chugiak versus Service, South against West, Colony against Dimond, and Juneau against Wasilla.
Division II action will see North Pole host Homer, Soldotna face Grace Christian, Ketchikan take on Monroe Catholic, and Palmer meet Kenai Central, while the girls bracket matches Kenai Central against Grace Christian, Homer against Monroe Catholic, Soldotna against Redington, and Palmer against Ketchikan.
Beyond the on‑field drama, the championships reflect a broader resurgence of soccer in Alaska, with schools investing in programs and community support reaching new heights. As the final whistle approaches, fans and players alike anticipate a weekend that will define the next chapter of high school soccer in the state.