A Deep Talent Pool
The start of the 2026 high school boys soccer season is just weeks away, and the Cincinnati Enquirer has turned its spotlight on a cohort of seniors who distinguished themselves in 2025. The new campaign will open on August 10 in Northern Kentucky and August 14 in Ohio and Indiana, setting the stage for these players to chase All‑Ohio and All‑American honors.
At the center of the conversation is Elijah Warner of Summit Country Day, the only returning All‑American in the region. Warner’s accolades include a state championship and a reputation as a complete offensive threat who can change the tempo of a game with his vision and finishing.
Drew Adams from Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy follows with a standout campaign that culminated in a Miami Valley Conference title. His five goals and six assists underscore a dual threat as both a scorer and a playmaker, earning him all‑district recognition.
Ben Angelica of Wilmington added a prolific scoring touch, topping the Southern Buckeye Athletic and Academic Conference with 30 goals. His performance helped his side share the league crown and cemented his status as the conference’s most feared finisher.
Marco Barrios from Simon Kenton earned first‑team All‑Eighth Region and third‑team All‑Northern Kentucky honors after netting 25 goals. His consistency at the front helped his team remain competitive throughout a demanding schedule.
Brady Dorko of Anderson was crowned Division II Offensive Player of the Year, his 12 goals and six assists propelling his side to the regional finals. The award highlighted his impact as a leader who could both create and convert chances.
In the backline, Santiago Dreher of Seven Hills anchored a defense that yielded just 20 goals. His all‑southwest district honors reflect a disciplined unit that limited opponents’ opportunities while maintaining composure under pressure.
Aidan Gross of Mariemont was named Division IV Offensive Player of the Year, his 16 goals and 13 assists guiding the Warriors to a district championship. The accolade underscored his ability to influence the game both as a scorer and a creator.
Goalkeeper Scotty Hall from Wilmington posted a 91% save rate, preserving his team’s unbeaten conference streak. Hall’s reflexes and command of the penalty area made him a cornerstone of a defense that rarely conceded.
Thomas Harp of Mariemont contributed to a unit that recorded 13 shutouts and allowed only 13 goals. His presence helped the Warriors build a reputation for defensive solidity that defined their successful season.
Joey Kurtz of Walnut Hills was another defensive cornerstone, helping his side concede only 10 goals and share the Eastern Cincinnati Conference title. His leadership at the back was instrumental in turning tight games into victories.
Dallas Marshall from Conner, a first‑team All‑Ninth Region selection, added six goals and eight assists, steering his club to the regional championship game. His all‑around contributions illustrated why he is considered one of the most complete midfielders in the area.
Nick Maslin of Lakota East emerged as one of the Greater Miami Conference’s most reliable keepers, making 82 saves while surrendering just 25 goals. His consistency between the posts gave his team a stable foundation throughout the campaign.
Salem Mayala of Boone County led his team with 20 goals and four assists, earning All‑Northern Kentucky recognition and second‑team all‑state honors. His ability to find the net in crucial moments made him a standout performer.
James McKernan from St. Xavier was named co‑defensive player of the year in Division I, posting 73 saves and allowing only 21 goals throughout the Greater Catholic League‑South. His statistical dominance reflected a disciplined defensive approach.
Luke Neltner of Bishop Brossart, a top scorer and playmaker, captured first‑team All‑10th Region honors and helped his side win the 10th Region championship. His knack for scoring and assisting made him a central figure in his team’s title run.
Santino Serger from Mariemont, an all‑district selection, contributed 15 goals and eight assists to a district title run. His versatility and work rate exemplified the modern attacking midfielder.
Andy Stein of Indian Hill, the lone returning all‑district honoree, led his team to a sectional championship with seven goals and seven assists. His balanced contribution highlighted his importance to both offense and defense.
Miles Steininger of Wyoming, another all‑district pick, tallied seven goals and six assists before his squad advanced to the state semifinals. His impact underscored the depth of talent across the region.
Jack Sweeney of St. Xavier, one of two returners from the All‑Ohio team, paced his side in total points and earned All‑Great Lakes Region honors. His experience on the national stage adds a layer of expectation for the upcoming season.
The 2025 season also saw Summit Country Day capture another state title, while three additional local programs finished as state runners‑up. These achievements illustrate the competitive balance and the high caliber of high school soccer in the Cincinnati area.