Meet 10 western Maine boys soccer players to watch in 2026

Edward Little's Will Wallingford, left, and Lewiston's Belmiro Bengue battle for the ball during an October 2025 game in Lewiston. The teams played to a 0-0 tie. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer) Belmiro Bengue, Lewiston senior forward: Bengue was a KVAC first-team selection in 2025. He'll play a big role for a team that hopes to advance past the Class A North semifinals. Ben Cheng, Winthrop senior defender: Cheng was named to the MVC second team last season and will be a leader on a veteran-heavy team. Winthrop has 10 seniors on its roster. Bryce Fletcher, Monmouth Academy junior forward: Fletcher was one of two Mustangs to score over 20 goals last year. The MVC first-team selection tallied Monmouth's lone goal in its Class D final loss to Fort Fairfield. Zane Foyt, Monmouth Academy junior forward: Foyt is the Mustangs' other striker who scored more than 20 goals. He also received MVC first-team honors and, like Fletcher, performed well throughout Monmouth's playoff run. Foyt scored seven goals and picked up three assists across the three games leading up to the Class D state title game. Ryder Harding, Mountain Valley senior forward: Harding, who received an MVC second-team nod, was the Falcons' leading goal scorer last season. As Mountain Valley looks to reset and improve from 2025 — a year in which it finished 1-12-1 and missed the playoffs — he'll be a reliable option on offense. Tyler Mates, Leavitt junior forward: Mates was Leavitt's top scorer last season, netting 12 goals to go along with two assists. He and the Hornets went 10-5 record and reached the Class B South quarterfinals in 2025. Advertisement Christian Mazina, Edward Little junior midfielder: Mazina will be a key playmaker for first-year coach Abdibaari Hersi. The midfielder finished last season with four goals and seven assists, and this fall will play a big role as Edward Little aims to make it past the Class A North semifinals. Brennan Mitchell, Mt. Abram senior forward: Mitchell totaled six goals and six assists and earned MVC honorable mention status last season. He'll lead the Roadrunners' offense as they welcome back Darren Allen as head coach. Khalid Mohamed, Edward Little senior forward: Mohamed tallied 13 goals and five assists in 2025. He is primed to have another successful fall as one of the Red Eddies' key strikers. Luc Walker, Mt. Blue senior defender: A defensive force for the Cougars, Walker garnered KVAC second-team honors in 2025. His play will be crucial this fall as Mt. Blue adapts after losing seven of its 11 starters to graduation.