Phoenix, AZ, February 6, 2026
As the Arizona high school boys soccer playoffs approach, teams across Phoenix are preparing for thrilling matchups. The playoffs represent not just competition but also community pride, as fans rally to support their schools. With standout players and strong contenders, the excitement is palpable. This season, schools are focusing on building character and teamwork, making every game an integral part of their athletes’ development and a celebration of high school sports in Arizona.
Phoenix, AZ
Arizona’s Soccer Stars Prepare for Playoff Showdown
As the Arizona high school boys soccer playoffs draw near, anticipation builds across the state for a display of skill, discipline, and competitive spirit. Teams and individual athletes from Phoenix and beyond have poured countless hours into training, showcasing the hard work and dedication that define Arizona prep sports.
High school athletics in Phoenix and throughout Arizona are more than just games; they are foundational experiences that cultivate character, leadership, and personal responsibility. The upcoming playoffs highlight not only athletic prowess but also the strong community ties and school pride that rally fans, families, and local businesses around these young competitors, embodying the very best of local high school athletics.
The Road to State Glory
The Arizona high school boys soccer playoffs are set to deliver intense matchups as teams vie for the coveted state championships. The postseason structure includes an Open Division, along with competitive brackets for 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, and 2A conferences. Teams have been preparing tirelessly for these crucial games, which begin in February 2026.
The Open Division tournament kicks off its first round on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, with games hosted at the high seeds. Subsequent rounds follow quickly, with the second round on February 13, quarterfinals on February 18, and semifinals on February 25, all played at the high seed. The ultimate showdown, the Open Division State Championship, is scheduled for Monday, March 2, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Mesa High School.
Similarly, the 6A, 5A, and 4A conferences will see their state championship games play out at Mesa High School. The 6A final is slated for Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 7 p.m., while the 5A championship will be held on the same day at 1 p.m. The 4A state title will be decided on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 7 p.m. The 3A and 2A conferences will crown their champions on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 7 p.m. and 1 p.m. respectively, also at Mesa High School.
Attacking Prowess: Scorers to Watch
Several athletes have distinguished themselves through their remarkable scoring abilities during the 2025-2026 season, making them key players to watch in the Arizona prep soccer playoffs. Jayden Evans from Dysart High School stands out with an impressive 93 goals and 192 points. His teammate, Khriz Ortega, also from Dysart, has been a significant offensive force, contributing 85 goals and 177 points. David Garcia, another Dysart talent, added 61 goals and 124 points to their strong offensive season.
Beyond Dysart, Cade Garcia of Yuma Catholic High School has demonstrated exceptional scoring, tallying 39 goals and 92 points. These players exemplify the offensive firepower that can turn the tide in critical playoff matches, highlighting their personal responsibility in driving their teams forward.
Midfield Orchestrators and Defensive Stalwarts
Success in soccer relies heavily on more than just goal-scorers. The midfield and defensive lines are crucial for maintaining possession, creating opportunities, and protecting the goal. Esteban Hernandez from Yuma Catholic has been a top assist leader, showcasing his vision and playmaking ability with 21 assists. Brian Mendez of Westwood High School also stands out in this category with 20 assists, demonstrating teamwork and strategic passing. Sage Doust of Scottsdale Christian Academy and Adrian Aguilar of ALA – Ironwood each recorded 18 assists, further emphasizing the importance of creative playmaking in Arizona high school soccer.
On the defensive end, goalkeepers play a vital role in every contest. Steven James from Willow Canyon High School leads the state in saves with 190, a testament to his vigilance and quick reflexes. Jordan Sexton of Desert Christian is another top shot-stopper, recording 152 saves.
For goals-against average (GAA), Elliot Denk from Trivium Prep and Grayson Watts from Sabino have maintained perfect 0.000 GAAs, reflecting their teams’ stout defenses and their own reliability in goal. Ezequiel Carranza from VGHS also boasts a 0.000 GAA, highlighting elite-level defensive performances that will be critical in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs.
Teams to Watch for State Titles
Several teams have consistently performed at a high level throughout the 2025-2026 Arizona prep soccer season and are considered strong contenders for state titles. In the Winter 2025-26 rankings, Sunnyside High School holds the top spot with a 17-1-2 overall record. Close behind are Brophy College Prep (16-2-0) and Westwood High School (18-2-0), both showcasing formidable seasons.
Other highly-ranked teams include Catalina Foothills (16-0-3), Arizona College Prep (14-1-0), and Liberty High School (16-4-0). These teams have demonstrated the discipline and teamwork necessary for deep playoff runs. Their consistent performance suggests they possess the depth and strategic play required to navigate the challenges of the postseason and compete for championship honors, drawing significant fan engagement from their respective communities.
Community Spirit and Opportunities
The playoffs for Phoenix AZ high school soccer represent a rallying point for local communities. Beyond the athletic achievements, these events provide valuable market-driven opportunities for local businesses through sponsorships and fan engagement. Local restaurants, sporting goods stores, and other businesses often see increased patronage as families gather to support their student-athletes. This fosters a sense of collective identity and strengthens community ties, demonstrating how sports build character beyond the field.
The dedication shown by these young athletes, their coaches, and their families reflects the values of hard work and sportsmanship. These high school sports programs are vital for personal growth, teaching invaluable lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and handling pressure—skills that extend far beyond the soccer pitch.
Support Our Local Talent!
As the Arizona high school boys soccer playoffs unfold, we encourage everyone in the Phoenix area to come out and support these incredible student-athletes. Your presence at games not only boosts team morale but also reinforces the strong community spirit that makes Arizona prep sports so special. Witness firsthand the hard work, passion, and competitive spirit that will be on display.
Stay tuned to HEREPhoenix.com for more coverage of Phoenix AZ high school soccer and other Arizona high school sports. Follow our updates to keep up with the latest results, standout performances, and inspiring stories from our local athletes. Let’s celebrate the character, leadership, and opportunity that high school sports bring to our community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Arizona High School Boys Soccer Playoffs
- What are the key dates for the 2026 Arizona high school boys soccer playoffs?
- The Open Division tournament begins its first round on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. The second round is on February 13, quarterfinals on February 18, and semifinals on February 25.
- When and where will the 2026 Arizona high school boys soccer state championship games be held?
- The Open Division State Championship is scheduled for Monday, March 2, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Mesa High School. The 6A final is on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Mesa High School, and the 5A championship is on the same day at 1 p.m. at Mesa High School. The 4A state title will be decided on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Mesa High School. The 3A and 2A conferences will crown their champions on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 7 p.m. and 1 p.m. respectively, also at Mesa High School.
- Who are some of the top goal-scorers to watch in the 2025-2026 Arizona high school boys soccer playoffs?
- Key players include Jayden Evans from Dysart High School with 93 goals, Khriz Ortega from Dysart with 85 goals, David Garcia from Dysart with 61 goals, and Cade Garcia from Yuma Catholic High School with 39 goals.
- Which goalkeepers have notable statistics for the 2025-2026 Arizona high school boys soccer season?
- Steven James from Willow Canyon High School leads the state in saves with 190. Jordan Sexton of Desert Christian recorded 152 saves. Elliot Denk from Trivium Prep, Grayson Watts from Sabino, and Ezequiel Carranza from VGHS all maintained a 0.000 goals-against average.
- What are some of the top-ranked teams in Arizona high school boys soccer for the Winter 2025-26 season?
- Top-ranked teams include Sunnyside High School (17-1-2), Brophy College Prep (16-2-0), Westwood High School (18-2-0), Catalina Foothills (16-0-3), Arizona College Prep (14-1-0), and Liberty High School (16-4-0).
Key Features of the 2026 Arizona High School Boys Soccer Playoffs
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Open Division Championship | Monday, March 2, 2026, 7 p.m. at Mesa High School | State-level |
| 6A Championship | Saturday, February 28, 2026, 7 p.m. at Mesa High School | State-level |
| 5A Championship | Saturday, February 28, 2026, 1 p.m. at Mesa High School | State-level |
| Top Goal Scorer | Jayden Evans (Dysart High School) with 93 goals | State-level |
| Top Points Leader | Jayden Evans (Dysart High School) with 192 points | State-level |
| Top Assists Leader | Esteban Hernandez (Yuma Catholic High School) with 21 assists | State-level |
| Top Saves Goalkeeper | Steven James (Willow Canyon High School) with 190 saves | State-level |
| Top Ranked Team (Winter 2025-26) | Sunnyside High School (17-1-2 overall record) | State-level |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Arizona School Soccer Rankings Highlight Top Teams
Yuma Catholic and Thunderbird to Compete in 4A School Football Semifinals
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
