Iowa’s 2026 Boys Soccer Elite Teams Shine
The 2026 high school boys soccer season in Iowa reached its climax with four state titles decided across the classifications. Waukee Northwest captured the Class 4A crown, Des Moines Hoover secured the Class 3A championship, Gilbert repeated as Class 2A champions, and Iowa City Regina lifted the Class 1A trophy. The Des Moines Register’s All‑Iowa teams, unveiled this week, recognize the standout performers who helped shape those victories.
Among the honorees, Eman Alicic of Waukee Northwest emerged as a dual threat, posting 21 goals and 14 assists while steering his team to the top of the podium. Laird Holden from Regina dominated the scoreboard, amassing 43 goals and 23 assists to lead his squad to a title in the smallest classification. Tyler Jerkins of Gilbert posted a 94.0 save percentage, a key factor in the team’s back‑to‑back Class 2A triumphs.
Other elite selections include Isack Ramadhani of Des Moines Hoover, who contributed 25 goals and 27 assists to Hoover’s first state title in boys soccer, and Tate Duax from Ankeny Centennial, whose 28 goals and 21 assists powered an undefeated regular season and a runner‑up finish in Class 4A. Kyle Irwin of St. Albert added 29 goals and 25 assists, while Colin Mandernach from Dallas Center‑Grimes tallied 29 goals and 11 assists to help his side finish second in Class 3A.
Defensive excellence was also highlighted, with Logan Harswick of Gilbert anchoring a backline that faced just 63 shots on goal all season, and Ben Ridlen of Ankeny Centennial limiting opponents to 41 shots. Cole Skinner of Southeast Polk accumulated 57 total points — 24 goals and nine assists — marking the program’s best season ever, while Aaden Troja of Urbandale excelled on defense, allowing only 62 shots to get past his keepers.