EVANSVILLE — The Indiana High School Athletic Association boys soccer season begins in earnest this weekend.
That's good news for Southwestern Indiana. The area is home to several of the top programs not just in Southern Indiana but arguably the state. Six teams were ranked in the coaches' preseason rankings. There's a chance we could see one of them at Carroll Stadium in October.
To start the season, here is a look at 40 players to watch in the Courier & Press coverage area based on returning talent or impact for their respective team. This list is in alphabetical order.
Cal Armstrong, Central
The junior midfielder led the team with five goals last season. He was a Second Team All-City selection.
Cobe Arruffat, Harrison
The sophomore defender played well in his varsity soccer debut. Had one goal and seven assists. Second Team All-SIAC and Second Team All-City selection.
Santiago Arruffat, Harrison
A strong midfielder and the top returning playmaker for the Warriors. The senior had seven goals and eight assists last season. First Team All-SIAC and First Team All-City selection.
Weston Babb, Reitz
The junior midfielder is the top returner for the Panthers. Had three assists last season. Second Team All-SIAC and First Team All-City selection.
Ivan Bennett, Memorial
The sophomore midfielder began his career strong with seven goals and four assists. All-City honorable mention selection.
Nick Boes, Memorial
One of the top returning goalkeepers. The junior posted a 0.97 goals against average with seven shutouts. Second Team All-City selection.
Bronson Bryant, Washington Catholic
The senior was an All-Blue Chip Conference selection last season. Had 10 goals and a team-high 15 assists.
Addison Day, Castle
The senior emerged as a strong midfielder last season. Finished with three goals and a team-high 12 assists. Second Team All-SIAC selection.
Grant Doherty, Mount Vernon
The senior broke the program record with 25 goals last season as the Wildcats had their best year since 2000. First Team All-PAC selection.
Jairo Dubon, Washington
The senior midfielder is the only returning all-conference selection for the Hatchets. First Team All-PAC.
Brandon Elizarraras, Jasper
A four-year starter for the Wildcats. Led the team with 10 goals and 10 assists as a junior. First Team All-SIAC and All-State honorable mention selection.
Preston Gooch, North
The senior is the top returning goal scorer for the Huskies in what will be a restocked attack. Had six goals and two assists last season.
Isaiah Hamilton, Harrison
The senior defender will be a key leader for first-year coach Garrett Smith. Had one goal and four assists last year.
Connor Harding, Memorial
The senior midfielder will be a vital returner for the defending regional champions. Had three goals and one assist last year. Second Team All-City selection.
Cohen Havill, Memorial
The sophomore forward/midfielder emerged in the postseason last year with a two-goal effort against Washington. Had five goals and one assist on the season.
James Hoffman, Mater Dei
The senior midfielder was an All-City honorable mention selection last fall. Had one assist.
Ryker Kotmel, Castle
An important returner striker for the Knights. The senior had eight goals and five assists last season.
Oscar Lara, Heritage Hills
The junior midfielder was a Second Team All-PAC selection. Had six goals and five assists last fall.
Braydon Loudermilk, South Knox
The junior forward was an All-Blue Chip Conference selection. Had 17 goals and seven assists last season.
Nick Lopez, Jasper
The Wildcats' defensive leader at centerback. Had one assist. Second Team All-SIAC selection.
Max McConnell, Castle
A versatile defensive midfielder for one of the top teams in the SIAC. The senior had nine goals last fall. First Team All-SIAC and All-State honorable mention selection.
Will Minar, Mater Dei
The senior will play more in the middle for the Wildcats this fall. Had three goals and one assist last season.
Carlos Morales Ponce, North
The senior midfielder was an All-City honorable mention selection last season. Had two goals and five assists.
Noah Muller, Forest Park
The senior defender/midfielder was a First Team All-PAC selection for the regional finalists.
Jay Pena, Jasper
The senior is one of several key returners for the SIAC contenders. Had five goals and four assists last season.
Ben Prather, Central
The senior defender was a Second Team All-SIAC and Second Team All-City selection last season
Brady Reiter, Castle
The junior midfielder held his own in his first year of varsity soccer. Had two goals and three assists but expected for a bigger season.
Andrew Santoro, Mount Vernon
The senior midfielder had an impressive 26 assists in addition to five goals. First Team All-PAC selection.
Kortlen Sears, Memorial
The senior forward is an important returner in the Tigers' attack. Had four goals and four assists last season. All-City honorable mention selection.
Brady Seaton, North
The top returning goalkeeper in the SIAC. Allowed only 0.89 goals per game as a junior with 11 shutouts. First Team All-SIAC, First Team All-City and All-State honorable mention selection.
Chase Spears, Jasper
The Wildcats don't win a sectional title last year with the senior goalkeeper. Allowed 0.88 goals per game and helmed four postseason shutouts.
Tewodros Stem, Evansville Christian
The senior tallied 11 goals and six assists, both second on the team, in the Eagles' first year of IHSAA play
Daniel Tkachuk, Castle
The junior will be an important piece of the Knights' attack. Had five goals and five assists last season.
Simon Theby, Memorial
A key returner on the back line for the Tigers. The junior defender had three assists last season. Second Team All-City selection.
Esau Valdez, Heritage Hills
The senior emerged as a solid goalkeeper last fall. A Second Team All-PAC selection.
Erik Villalobos, Princeton
The senior was a Second Team All-PAC selection. Had 11 goals and a team-high 16 assists last season.
David Walling, Reitz
The junior defender was a Second Team All-City selection last fall.
Mason Will, North
The senior midfielder will play a pivotal role in the Huskies' attempt to defend its SIAC title. Had three goals and two assists last season. All-City honorable mention selection.
Seth Williams, Boonville
The senior is the top returning goal-scorer for the Pioneers. Had 10 goals and four assists last fall.
Yuta Yamanami, North
One of the few returning starters for the defending SIAC champions. The senior midfielder had two goals and two assists. Second Team All-SIAC selection.
Follow Courier & Press sports reporter Kyle Sokeland on Twitter @kylesokeland.
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