Meet 5 western Maine boys soccer teams to watch in 2026

Monmouth Academy's Bryce Fletcher celebrates a goal by Zane Foyt during the Class D South boys soccer final Nov. 4, 2025, on Fuller Field at Cony Middle and High School in Augusta. Fletcher assisted on the goal that put Mustangs up 2-0 in first half. (Joe Phelan/Staff photographer) 1. Monmouth Academy: Monmouth went 15-2-1 in 2025 and lost 1-0 to Fort Fairfield in the Class D championship game. The Mustangs return many of the starters who made last season's playoff run possible. Juniors Bryce Fletcher and Zane Foyt were one of Maine's best tandems as sophomores. They both tallied more than 20 goals and paced the team throughout the playoffs. Against Richmond in the Class D South final, Foyt notched three goals, while Fletcher had a goal and an assist. Senior midfielders Jake Harmon and Noah Schultz and junior goalkeeper Gavin Parsons will also play key roles for a team that has a strong chance of winning its first state title since 2023. 2. Lewiston: Lewiston was another team that fell a little short last year — going 10-2-4 and losing to Brunswick, 2-0, in the Class A North semifinals — but the Blue Devils show plenty of promise to contend again. With returners like senior forward Belmiro Bengue and junior midfielder Jimmy Morgan, who were part of a 2025 squad that scored 40 goals and allowed 11, the Blue Devils are set up well to contend in a competitive class and region. 3. Mt. Abram: Coming off an 11-6 season in which it reached the Class C South final, Mt. Abram is prepped for another deep playoff run. To begin with, longtime head coach in Darren Allen, who guided the program to its first state title in 2023, is back at the helm after two years away. Also, several key players return. Mt. Abram has three capable scorers and passers in seniors Brennan Mitchell (6 goals, 6 assists), Chase Ross (1 goal, 8 assists) and Will Swain (4 goals, 4 assists), who will lead the team's charge on offense. Senior Landen Marble will anchor the defense. 4. Edward Little: Edward Little went 7-7-2 in 2025 and reached the Class A North semifinals. The Red Eddies should again be a threat in the region. They return key playmakers like seniors Khalid Mohamed (13 goals, 5 assists) and Mudasir Hassan (3 goals, 2 assists), and junior Christian Mazina (4 goals, 7 assists). The program has a new head coach Abdibaari Hersi, who's about as ingrained in Lewiston/Auburn soccer as anyone. His soccer background, having played and served as an assistant coach at Lewiston, paired with the Red Eddies' veteran players, could make for some magic come playoff season. 5. Winthrop: The Ramblers are coming off a 6-5-3 campaign, but they are a team to keep an eye on in 2026. The Ramblers return 10 seniors, including Ben Cheng, a stalwart on defense, and Nick Wagner, a strong playmaking midfielder. Winthrop will be led by a new coach, Caleb Valliere, and the squad is ready to compete with the best of the Mountain Valley Conference and Class C South.