The 2026 Vermont high school boys soccer season in Chittenden County is set to begin on August 28, ushering in a schedule that will culminate with playoff action between October 20 and 31.
Key Storylines
Burlington High School enters the campaign under the steady hand of Coach Mukhtar Abdullahi, now in his fifth season. The team returns six starters from the previous playoff loss to Champlain Valley and will rely on a counter‑attacking philosophy that emphasizes self‑sufficiency. Key returnees such as Webb DeShaw, Victor Goro, Venas Shabani, Samuel Adhikari, Dalib Ali, Brian Mutar, Yaasir Laaroussi and Mathias Mmunga provide depth, while newcomer Orion Rex adds experience between the posts.
Champlain Valley Union High School, guided by Coach Shane Bufano, brings back 13 veterans and welcomes forward transfer Waydon Cherington from Mount Abraham. Bufano notes that Cherington’s goal‑scoring instincts should sharpen the team’s attack, and the coaching staff is optimistic about improved chemistry and scoring potential.
Colchester High School, coached by Ty Pratt, returns roughly a dozen veterans, including Metro coaches’ all‑league selections Javen Welch and Easton Rassel. Pratt’s objective is a .500 record and a push for playoff contention, leveraging a blend of seniors, juniors and a large sophomore class.
Essex High School, led by Mahat Abdullahi, brings back nine senior veterans after a narrow loss to Burlington in the Division I quarterfinals. Top scorer Ethan Leo, together with defensive anchors Kian Eklof and Carter Naruki, will be tasked with adapting the squad’s approach and maintaining competitiveness.
Milton High School, under Coach Jack Hubbard, returns all but one starter from last year’s Division II championship team. Hubbard highlights the team’s firepower up front and the need to devise creative ways to break down defenses, with returning players Wyatt Wooten, Killian Choquette and Joshua Rhoades expected to drive the offense.
Mount Mansfield Union High School, coached by Dustin Hess, has lost several key graduates but retains versatility and experience in attack and midfield. Hess is focused on developing defensive solidity while capitalizing on the remaining depth.
Rice Memorial High School, overseen by Rich DeGraff‑Murphy, returns nine seniors and aims to be a Division II title contender. DeGraff‑Murphy emphasizes the importance of finding the right player combinations to maximize the team’s experience.
South Burlington High School, coached by Art Wright, inherits an experienced roster that includes at least 14 returning players and all‑state talents Ian Henderson and Momin Waqar. Wright’s vision is a fluid, competitive style that can adapt to new roles as the season progresses.
Winooski High School, under Daniel Rai, returns the entire starting lineup that captured a Division III championship. Key contributors Stephan Stephano and Oliver Mathys‑Vallario will look to defend their title and contend for another championship.
Across the county, coaches share a common focus on chemistry, strategic balance and the integration of newcomers. Whether emphasizing counter‑attacks, offensive firepower or defensive development, each program is shaping its narrative as the season unfolds.