Which stars will shine the brightest at the Iowa high school boys state soccer tournament?
We’re here to try and answer that question, highlighting 15 players to keep an eye on at the state tournament, which takes place from June 1-5. Whoever winds up hoisting a championship trophy on June 5 will inevitably be led by stellar performances from some of Iowa’s best.
After analyzing stats, tournament paths and more, here’s a look at 18 athletes to keep an eye on as they chase a state championship.
Athletes are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Eman Alicic, So., Waukee Northwest
Waukee Northwest enters the state tournament with the most wins in Class 4A, and Alicic is a big reason why. The youngster leads the squad with 19 goals, while also having 13 assists. With his success, the Wolves are unbeaten since April 7.
Jaxon Anderson, Sr., Mount Vernon
The Mustangs’ senior has led the team in a big way in 2026. He’s scored 22 goals and tallied seven assists ahead of the state tournament. This is just the program’s second-ever appearance in the state tournament and the first since 2016.
Thomas Cavin, Sr., Xavier
The Saints are a strong defensive team, with Cavin being a catalyst of that. Behind his defense and seven goals this year, Xavier is the No. 1 seed in Class 3A.
Tate Duax, Sr., Ankeny Centennial
Duax is looking to end his high school career on a high note before going to Northeastern University. The senior leads the team in goals and assists out of the midfield, with 24 scores and 18 helpers. Behind him, the Jaguars enter the state tournament unbeaten.
Jonathon Flores, Sr., West Sioux
The first-time state champions in 2025 return with a star at the forefront. Flores has tallied 33 goals and six assists to get his team back to the state tournament for the third season in a row.
Cal Giese, Jr., Bishop Heelan
The Crusaders are always in the mix when it comes to this tournament. Giese is the latest Bishop Heelan star to make his mark with 23 goals and six assists this year.
Logan Harswick, Sr., Gilbert
Gilbert’s entire starting 11 is a problem to handle, but the Tiger senior’s defense is a big reason for the program’s success. He’s helped his team have a shutout in all but three games this year.
Laird Holden, Sr., Iowa City Regina
Holden is one of two dynamic offensive threats for the Regals. He has 37 goals and 21 assists on the year to lead Class 1A in combined goals and assists. Even so, another dynamic offensive threat to come later on this list elevates the Iowa City Regina to a state title favorite.
Kyle Irwin, Sr., St. Albert
He’s got 25 assists and 23 goals. Irwin is as balanced as they come, equally comfortable passing as he is finding the back of the net for St. Albert.
Colin Mandernach, Sr., Dallas Center-Grimes
This senior forward leads a dangerous Mustangs squad. With 22 goals and nine assists, DCG is unbeaten against Class 3A or smaller schools.
Finn Mieska, Soph., Treynor
Mieska is a bona fide goal-scorer. While having just two assists, he has recorded 28 goals on the year. If the ball is at the end of his foot, all goalkeepers should be on notice.
Jase Price, Fr., Des Moines Christian
Price has been another young, goal-scoring machine in Iowa with 18 on the season at over a goal per game pace.
Isack Ramadhani, Sr., Des Moines Hoover
Ramadhani is the catalyst for all of the Huskies’ success on offense. He has 24 assists and 23 goals on the year, equally proficient at setting his teammates up for goals as scoring his own. If the ball is at his feet, all defenders will have to take note.
Cole Skinner, Sr., Southeast Polk
The Rams are in the midst of one of their best seasons in recent memory. Skinner recorded 23 goals leading up to the state tournament, making him another one of the more dangerous goal-scoring threats in Iowa.
Carlos Zamago, Sr., Denison-Schleswig
Zamagao is the team leader in goals (35) and assists (13) for the Monarchs. Behind him, Denison-Schleswig is back in the state tournament for the first time since 2023 and the eighth time since 2000 as they chase their first state title.
Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at Emckown@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Players to watch at Iowa boys high school soccer state tournament
Reporting by Eli McKown, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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