CLASS 4-1A BOYS SOCCER PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2025
 

JAYDEN ADCOCK, BUHLER
 
Adcock served as Buhler’s leader on the back line last season, earning All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail III-IV first-team honors and All-Class 4-1A honorable mention at defender. The Crusaders will tap into Adcock’s skills in the midfield and back line this season, and expect to see increased offensive production from the junior, who scored one goal last fall as the Crusaders posted a 6-9-2 record.
 

WYATT AFMAN, WICHITA TRINITY ACADEMY
 
Afman had a championship performance to remember last season, scoring a hat trick in Trinity’s 4-3 victory over Rose Hill that gave the Knights the Class 4-1A title, their first state crown since 2010. Afman scored two first-half goals and added a go-ahead score in the second half against the Rockets. The lone freshman on the all-state first team, Afman, a forward/attacking mid, finished the season with 24 goals and 5 assists to boost Trinity to a 17-4 record.
 

KOHEN ANDERSON, HERITAGE CHRISTIAN

Anderson had a breakout freshman campaign for Heritage Christian in 2024. Not only did he help the Chargers to a Kaw Valley League title, but he was also second on the team in scoring in his first year. Anderson tallied 13 goals to go along with two assists as the team’s starting forward. He was also named second team all-league and an honorable mention all-state selection.
 

 
HAYDEN BECKLEY, KANSAS CITY CHRISTIAN
 
Beckley is a four-year starter who has played both defender and midfielder for the Panthers throughout his career and likely will split time between the two spots this season. He’s served as a team captain since his sophomore year and is deemed by head coach Nate Wright to be “one of the most well-rounded players we’ve seen in our program.” He helped KC Christian to the Class 4-1A state quarterfinals last year before a loss to Bishop Miege ended a 14-4-1 season. Beckley earned honorable mention All-Class 4-1A honors last year and was a first-team All-Kaw Valley Conference selection after leading the Panthers to the league title.
  

COOPER CARR, BALDWIN

Few players can match the experience, production, and impact of Carr — and heading into his fourth year as a varsity starter, he’s ready to finish his career with another historic season. The senior was the driving force behind one of the best seasons in Baldwin boys soccer history in 2024. The standout forward led the Bulldogs to an 18-2-1 record, a share of the Frontier League title, and a third-place finish at the state tournament, capped by a statement win over perennial power Bishop Miege. Along the way, Carr shattered the program’s single-season goal record with 28 goals and added 12 assists. His production earned him first team All-Frontier League and first team all-state honors.
 

LAWRENCE CHANEY, CHANUTE

In just two seasons, Chaney has already made his mark on the Chanute soccer program. Now entering his junior year, Chaney returns as one of the top goal-scorers in the SEK after a standout sophomore campaign in which he netted 16 goals and added six assists. His production helped lead the Blue Comets to a 7-8-1 record, and he earned first team All-SEK honors for his efforts. Chaney also holds the school record for most goals scored through a player’s first two seasons.
 

 
JUDAH CONGDON, CAIR PARAVEL
 
A starter since his freshman year, Congdon has enjoyed two productive seasons for the Lions. He scored nine goals and added six assists his freshman season and then tacked on 7 goals and 13 assists last year as a sophomore midfielder. Congdon earned honorable mention All-Class 4-1A honors and will team with senior Nathan Keys to give Cair Paravel a strong 1-2 scoring punch this season.
 

ALEX DELGADO, HERITAGE CHRISTIAN

Delgado played a big role on both sides of the ball for Heritage Christian in 2024 as he split time as the team’s goalie and at forward. As a sophomore, Delgado recorded eight shutouts in goal for the Chargers, including four in one-goal contests. He also scored four goals from the forward spot as he helped Heritage Christian to a Kaw Valley League championship with a 12-4-2 record. He was also a first-team all-Kaw Valley selection and earned honorable mention all-state goalie honors.
 

GEORGE DIEFENDERFER, WICHITA TRINITY ACADEMY
 
Diefenderfer, a senior center back, helped Trinity post 11 shutouts last season during its run to the Class 4-1A state title. A team captain this fall, he’ll try to help the Knights fill the void left by six graduating seniors from the 2024 team. An All-4-1A second-team defender, Diefenderfer scored 1 goal and had 2 assists, giving him 5 goals and 6 assists for his career. 
 

JOSEPH DIETZ, HERITAGE CHRISTIAN

Dietz had an impressive showing in his first-ever high school campaign. Dietz, a midfielder, set up a lot of the Heritage Christian attacks as a freshman as he led the team with 13 assists, to go along with eight goals. He helped guide the Chargers to a league title and a spot in the regional championship game, where they fell to Bishop Miege. For his efforts, Dietz was named second team All-Kaw Valley League and honorable mention all-state.
 

BECKHAM ERPELDING, EUDORA

Last fall, Erpelding was a key contributor at outside back, helping Eudora secure a Frontier League title and tie the program record for wins in a season with 13. The Cardinals also set a new school record for fewest goals allowed in a season, conceding just 21. Now, with his senior year ahead, Erpelding will move to centerback, where he’ll lead a defensive unit that will try for another Frontier League crown after earning second team all-state honors last season and was an honorable mention All-Frontier League selection.
 

WYATT GARR, BISHOP MIEGE

After a standout junior season, Garr enters his final year chasing both history and hardware. Garr was the driving force behind the Stags’ high-powered attack in 2024, finishing with a team-best 24 goals and 11 assists as Miege battled to a fourth-place finish at the state tournament. The prolific striker earned first team All-Eastern Kansas League and all-state honors for his efforts — and now, he’s within striking distance of a major milestone. With 15 goals, Garr will break the Bishop Miege program record for career goals scored.
 

MARC GUTIERREZ, INDEPENDENCE
 
After a breakout junior season that saw him light up scoreboards across Southeast Kansas, Gutierrez is ready to lead the Bulldogs in 2025. Now a senior, Gutierrez was a dominant force up top last season, tallying 27 goals and 15 assists to pace the Bulldogs to a 10-8 record and a berth in the regional championship game. His playmaking ability earned him first-team All-SEK honors.
 

CRUZ GUZMAN, PAOLA

Guzman made a name for himself last fall as a defensive midfielder with an attacking mindset, finishing the 2024 season as one of the Panthers’ leading scorers. Guzman tallied five goals and added two assists, showcasing his versatility and ability to impact both ends of the pitch. That all-around impact didn’t go unnoticed. Guzman earned honorable mention All-Frontier League honors and was also recognized with an honorable mention all-state selection last year as a sophomore.
 

LANDON HALE, WICHITA TRINITY ACADEMY
 
Hale, a senior, played Trinity’s forward position on the opposite side of high-scoring Wyatt Afman, and did it well last season. Hale scored 13 goals and added 18 assists for the Knights, who produced at least 4 goals in 9 matches, including the Class 4-1A title game. Hale, an All-4-1A first-team forward along with Afman last fall, will serve as a team captain as Trinity moves forward after its 17-4 championship campaign.
 

REUBEN HARDER, BUHLER
 
Harder, a senior, led the Crusaders with 10 goals last season. Versatile as a midfielder or forward, he earned All-Class 4-1A and All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail III-IV second-team honors as Buhler finished 6-9-2. Harder’s continued offensive production will be a key as the Crusaders try to improve on that record.
 

 
JOSHUA HERRERA, ROSE HILL
 
Herrera scored 18 goals and dished out 13 assists last season as a sophomore to help Rose Hill reach the Class 4-1A championship match. Now a junior, Herrera was second to classmate Brady Liebl in scoring as the Rockets tallied 109 goals last season. Herrera was part of a trio of Rocket forwards who earned All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail III-IV first-team honors.
  

 
NATHAN KEYS, CAIR PARAVEL
 
Keys was already an established prolific goal scorer for Cair Paravel before having a huge junior season. He’d scored 17 goals his first two seasons combined and then erupted for 23 goals last year. Keys also added five assists on his way to earning second-team All-Class 4-1A honors for the Lions, who will be looking to improve on last year’s 6-7 record.
 

 
KAI KRIEGER, WICHITA CLASSICAL
 
Krieger, a senior forward, averaged more than a goal per game last season in helping the Saints win the Heart of America title and advance to the Class 4-1A quarterfinals. He scored 21 goals and added 3 assists as Classical posted a 10-7-2 record. An All-4-1A first-team forward after receiving honorable mention in 2022 and 2023, Krieger enters his final season with 33 career goals and 15 assists.
 

 
BRADY LIEBL, ROSE HILL
 
Liebl, a junior, produced some big moments for Rose Hill on its way to a Class 4-1A runner-up finish last fall. He scored both goals in the Rockets’ 2-0 state semifinal victory over eight-time reigning champion Bishop Miege, clinching the victory with an empty netter in the final two minutes. Liebl added his 27^th and final goal of the season in the Rockets’ 4-3 loss to Wichita Trinity in the final. A first-team selection on the All-4-1A and All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail III-IV teams, Liebl is back as one of the state’s top offensive threats. 
 

OWEN MARSH, LOUISBURG

Marsh returns as Louisburg’s top scorer after a standout junior campaign in which he netted 12 goals and added six assists. His efforts helped propel the Wildcats to the regional finals and a 9-9 overall record. For his impact on the pitch, Marsh earned honorable mention all-league and all-state honors.

 

MATHEW MCLENON, INDEPENDENCE

McLenon returns as the leader of a Bulldog back line that showed its toughness a year ago. As the heart of the defense, he helped guide Independence to a 10-8 record in 2024 and a spot in the regional championship game, where they lost a tough 1-0 decision to Berean Academy. McLenon earned first-team All-SEK honors and emerged as one of the top defenders in Southeast Kansas.
 

NATE MINTZ, FORT SCOTT

Mintz is entering his final season with the Tigers, and as a rare four-year starter, Mintz has been a model of consistency since first stepping between the posts as a freshman. He’s now looking to finish his career on a high note. After a junior campaign that saw him rack up 178 saves, he now sits at 405 career saves — and counting. His performance last season earned him first team All-SEK honors, adding to a resume that includes three straight years of all-league recognition.
 

MANNY MORALES, MCPHERSON
 
Morales moved from defense to the midfield last season, and provided an offensive spark for the Bullpups. He scored 13 goals and added 7 assists as McPherson finished 9-8-1 with a loss to eventual Class 4-1A champion Wichita Trinity in the regional finals. Morales, a center mid, landed first-team spots on the All-4-1A and All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail III-IV squads after helping the Bullpups to a league runner-up finish. An all-league honorable mention choice two years ago as a sophomore, Morales has 14 career goals and 8 assists.

 

CHARLIE OCHS, WICHITA CLASSICAL
 
Ochs earned All-Class 4-1A honorable mention last season as a freshman for the Saints, helping them advance to the state quarterfinals. The midfielder scored 5 goals and added 9 assists. Ochs joined teammate Kai Krieger as a Heart of America first-team selection and on the Maize South all-tournament team. 
 

JULIAN SALAS, BISHOP MIEGE

Salas was instrumental in Miege’s fourth-place finish at the state tournament last fall, tallying six goals and 11 assists from his midfield role. His 18 career assists put him among the most consistent setup men in the program’s recent history. A member of the 2023 state championship team, Salas brings championship experience to a Miege squad that’s once again aiming for a deep postseason run. His efforts last year earned him second team all-state recognition and honorable mention All-Eastern Kansas League honors.
 

BLAKE SARNECKI, HERITAGE CHRISTIAN

Sarnecki began his time with the Heritage Christian program last season as a junior and he put together a smashing debut. Sarnecki led the Chargers in scoring with 14 goals on the season as he helped them to a Kaw Valley League title and a spot in the regional championship game. He also earned second team all-league and honorable mention all-state honors.
 

LEO SCHOENBERGER, BALDWIN

Schoenberger was a key piece in Baldwin’s unforgettable 2024 campaign, which included an 18-2-1 record, a share of the Frontier League title, and a third-place finish at the state tournament — capped by a signature win over Bishop Miege. Now entering his third year as a starter, Schoenberger is once again expected to be the backbone of the Bulldogs’ back line in 2025. Despite playing in the back, Schoenberger finished last season with eight goals and eight assists. His performance earned him first team All-Frontier League and all-state honors.
 
ETHAN SMASAL, BALDWIN

Now entering his fourth year as a varsity starter, Smasal is one of the cornerstones of a Baldwin team coming off a historic 2024 season. The Bulldogs claimed a share of the Frontier League title and finished third at state, and Smasal played a pivotal role in both the team’s defense and its attacking success. Despite playing on the back line, Smasal finished the year with an impressive 12 goals and five assists, while earning second team all-league and all-state recognition.
 

GABE STANDFAST, MCPHERSON
 
Standfast, an Elyria Christian student who competes with McPherson as part of a co-operative, returns for his senior season after earning All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail III-IV second-team honors and All-Class 4-1A honorable mention at goalkeeper last fall. Standfast recorded 117 saves as a junior after pulling in 71 as a sophomore, when he received all-league honorable mention. Standfast, who has yielded 41 goals in two seasons, competed in the Keeper Wars National Championships in Florida over the summer and finished third.
 

LINCOLN TANKSLEY, BUHLER
 
Tanksley provides a key veteran presence for the Crusaders at the central defensive midfielder position. The senior captain will again anchor the position after earning All-Class 4-1A and and All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail III-IV at midfielder. Tanksley scored a goal and added an assist in 2024. Buhler coach Joshua Tafolla says Tanksley’s “work rate and soccer IQ will be huge for us this season.”
 

 
JUSTIN TROTT, KANSAS CITY CHRISTIAN

After the graduation of standout forward Isaiah Morris, who finished as the state’s No. 2 all-time leading scorer, the Panthers needed to find its scoring punch from other sources last year and Trott stepped up to lead the team. A four-year starter at forward/midfielder, Trott helped the Panthers to 66 goals as a team last year and capitalized on his ability to turn chances into goals to lead KC Christian to a 14-4-1 record and the Class 4-1A state quarterfinals. He was a first-team All-Class 4-1A pick and first-team All-Kaw Valley Conference selection as the Panthers’ most gifted attacking threat.
 
 

JUDE WHALEN, EUDORA

Whalen played a key role in Eudora’s Frontier League title run last year, helping the Cardinals match the program record with 13 wins. His performance earned him second team All-Frontier League honors and honorable mention all-state recognition during his sophomore season as he finished with six goals.
 
NOTE: Classifications for the 2025-26 school year had not been released at the time of publication. Players featured could potentially fall into a different classification once those have been determined.