The Standard-Examiner has announced its 2026 All‑Area Boys Soccer First Team, recognizing the elite talent that defined the 2025‑26 season across the Beehive State. Selections span every position, highlighting players who not only posted impressive statistics but also helped their squads capture titles and secure future opportunities at the collegiate level.
Player of the Year: Xavier Peregrina
Xavier Peregrina of Ogden stands out as the overall Player of the Year. A three‑time state champion, he anchored Ogden’s midfield with vision and work rate, contributing both goals and assists while guiding his team to a championship run.
Defensive Mastery
Among the standout goalkeepers, Jace Clark from Fremont impressed with nine career shutouts and a goals‑against average of just 1.1, establishing himself as a reliable last line of defense. Fellow net‑minder Jace Rodriguez of Ogden, a four‑year starter, added 70 career goals and 39 assists, showcasing an attacking edge rare for a goalkeeper. Defenders such as Cam Graves of Fremont led the backline with discipline, allowing only 20 goals throughout the season while also contributing offensively. Cody Adams from Morgan, another defensive stalwart, recorded seven goals and five assists, underscoring the increasingly versatile role of modern defenders.
Scoring Threats
The offensive spotlight fell on several prolific scorers. Trace Henderson of Morgan tallied 21 goals and five hat tricks, while Sora Sato of Box Elder added 15 goals and six assists. Pedro Flores of UMA‑Hill Field not only scored 21 goals but also logged 186 steals, a testament to his all‑around impact. Zeke Snow of Ogden contributed 17 goals and 12 assists, rounding out a potent attack.
Leadership and Future Plans
Captains Davis Madsen of Layton and Jace Anderson of Bonneville exemplified leadership, each posting three goals and three assists while steering their teams through a demanding schedule. Several honorees, including Rodriguez and Snow, have already committed to collegiate programs, with several eyeing opportunities at USU Eastern, a key institution in the region.
The 2026 All‑Area team reflects a year in which championship pedigree, statistical excellence, and leadership converged. As these athletes move forward, their performances set a benchmark for future generations and highlight the growing competitiveness of high school soccer across Utah.