As the summer heat settles over the Seacoast, high school boys soccer teams are finalizing preparations for the 2026 campaign, and a fresh crop of talent is emerging to capture the attention of coaches and fans alike.
Key Players to Watch
Among the standout names is Grayson Ahn, a sophomore forward from Oyster River High School who burst onto the scene as a freshman with five goals and two assists, hinting at a breakout year ahead.
Xander Ahn, his senior brother, earned Division II Player of the Year honors last season, collecting eight goals and seven assists while securing first‑team all‑state recognition.
Ronin Avery, a junior striker from York High School, made a striking transition from goalkeeper to forward, tallying ten goals and establishing himself as a potent offensive threat.
Midfield anchors such as Jack Blyth from Exeter High School, who contributed five goals and five assists in the previous season, are expected to assume a more advanced attacking role this year.
Defensive pillars like Ben Breen of Dover High School will provide steady leadership at center back, while Mason Carter of Traip Academy brings versatility and experience to the midfield.
Goalkeepers Orrin Culp Dechant from York High School, who posted five shutouts and earned all‑conference honorable‑mention honors, are poised to be game‑changers between the posts.
Other notable contributors include Adrian Cunningham of Traip Academy, who has amassed nearly 60 career goals and is on the cusp of breaking the school’s scoring record, and Connor Demarais of Marshwood High School, a senior captain expected to assume a larger leadership role.
Leadership and Legacy
Ben Breen’s appointment as team captain underscores the trust coaches place in his defensive acumen and steady presence, while Connor Demarais’s captaincy at Marshwood signals a shift toward greater responsibility on the offensive front.
Oliver Davis, a sophomore from Dover High School, emerged as a promising midfielder last season and is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s future, joining a cohort of young players ready to leave their mark.
With 34 athletes highlighted across the Seacoast, the narrative of growth, versatility and ambition weaves through every practice and match, promising an exciting season for soccer enthusiasts.