34 FEBRUARY 2026 By Rachael Bouley New year, big goals. That’s the consensus among high school soccer programs throughout the Arcadia area, with finals starting mid-February and plenty to play for. Let’s check in with Arcadia, Brophy, Xavier, and Veritas soccer teams.  The Titans went 5-6-1 in their first 12 games, giving them strong momentum headed into the second half of the season in the 4A Desert Sky Region. “Even in the games we have lost, we have competed very well,” Coach Andrew Lang said. “Our strengths are defensive play and great shooters on the team, while our weakness is breaking down the final third against stronger opponents.” Lang lets players use their creative flow during the game and make their own decisions, rather than micromanaging from the sidelines. After missing out last year, they are eager to see where they can go in the postseason. “Each day, we are getting better, and we hope to be ready for the playoffs when the time comes,” Lang added. “Our ultimate goal is to create players who are better people overall and to build their soccer knowledge and skills.”  Arcadia girls had a handful of losses to start the season, but bounced back in a big way with a 10-0 shutout over Mesquite in the 4A Desert Sky Region. Senior Claire Christensen led with three goals, followed by junior Savannah Flores and sophomore Kaidyn Beller with two apiece. They also won an invitational vs the Gilbert Tigers 1-0 in December. “We play a very difficult schedule, so to see our growth against other teams is very important to us,” Christensen said. “My personal highlight is scoring the first goal of the year in our kickoff tournament. I scored the first goal in that tournament freshman year, and it was really cool to finish high school the same way I started.” Although the Titans were 3-4 in six conference games at press time, they had two starters out with illness and introduced a new goalkeeper. Each loss came against teams that made last year’s playoffs. “Aside from the first game, we have been very competitive in each of our losses. We have a young team with only three seniors and over half of the team being either a sophomore or freshman,” Coach Bill Christenson said. “I feel like our defense is strong, but we need to improve at generating better scoring opportunities.” After finishing second in the region and progressing to quarterfinals last postseason, the Titans are working hard to continue that positive momentum. In the last half of the regular season, Arcadia faces regional opponents Marcos de Niza, Cactus Shadows, St. Mary’s, and Saguaro, plus non-region vs. Thunderbird, Coronado, and Chaparral. “I expect us to make the playoffs. We are getting better each week and will be playing our best soccer at the end of the season,” Christenson said. “The time we spend together shouldn’t be measured by how many games we win or lose but the relationships that are gained, the lessons learned, and the community we build.”  With a 14-0 start to the season, including 12 games on the road and only one at home, Brophy has scored 31 goals and conceded only three, equaling 11 shutouts so far. As of mid-January, the Broncos were not only first in the 6A Central Region but also ranked third in the state. Senior co-captain Alex King is proud of the team’s determination and ability to work together. “Every day, we are pushing each other in practice so that when we step on the field, High school soccer hits the field with State glory up for grabs AHS sophomore Michael McNeil. Brophy sophomore Nico McGalla. Senior goalkeeper JP Odden. AHS senior midfielder Alex Lara. AHS boys varsity soccer team. PHOTO: JAIME HIDALGO PHOTO: JAIME HIDALGO AHS PHOTOS: AIDAN ARRIA off any service or repair of $250 or more 602-944-5516 maloneyplumbing.com Schedule ƽƣǾ ROC315991 *Cannot combine with any other offers or specials. One time use only. Must present coupon to redeem. Limited time only. Serving the Valley for over 60 years! (PHUJHQF\3OXPELQJ5HSDLU 'UDLQ&OHDQLQJ *DUEDJH'LVSRVDOV :DWHU+HDWHUV :DWHU6RIWHQHUV 5HYHUVH2VPRVLV6\VWHPV /HDN'HWHFWLRQ 5HSDLU )L[WXUH,QVWDOODWLRQ & 5HSDLU :DWHU0DLQ5HSDLU *DV/LQHV G E N E R A T I O N S O F E X C E L L E N T S E R V I C E HappyValentine’s Day! +DSS\ b= Save  ƽƣǾ

35 FEBRUARY 2026 s Veritas girls varsity soccer team. Veritas boys varsity soccer team. Xavier varsity soccer team. I know that I have 11 warriors ready to go out and fight for their brothers to win a soccer match,” King, who plays center back, said. “No matter your position or playing time, everyone has a role to execute. That’s what makes our team special.” Coach Marc Kelly credits the team’s depth of talented players for helping them improve throughout the season. “It’s not uncommon to see us sub nine players at a time, to continuously refresh energy levels and pressure on other teams throughout the match,” Kelly said. “What you see is a buy-in for all of these players, who would ordinarily be playing 80 minutes, to contribute in shifts, rest, then repeat; and the result is that we’ve been winning big games in the second halves, or earlier.” Brophy has proved hard to break down defensively, with senior/captain goalkeeper JP Odden leading in saves and shutouts. The team features 24 field players and two goalies. Twelve players have scored so far this year, led by junior Joey Fritz with eight goals in the first 13 matchups. Over winter break, they traveled to Chapman University to play a tournament against three top California teams, coming away with two victories, including a two-goal rally in the second half and a last-second score from junior Conor Byers as the final whistle blew. After making it to the quarterfinals last season, the Broncos are ready for whatever comes their way in the final stretch. “I’m looking forward to seeing how this team grows and evolves,” Coach Kelly said. “I see them as an exotic plant that’s been given the right nutrients and best conditions... and it’s getting ready to sprout some crazy, incredible flowers as spring approaches!”  After getting out of the gate slowly with a loss in their first game, the Falcons have bounced back, winning their next three by a combined score of 17-4. “So far, we have stacked up favorably to the competition,” Coach David Zook said. “We have a strong, balanced attack. We’ve had six players score goals, and five players assist in those goals.” While Veritas continues to work on the defending backline, they have a strong foundation as they look to leave their mark on the 2A Valley Region and go further in the state tournament after falling in the first round last year. Their current stats as of press time sit at 4-2-1. “We have a process for everything we do, and when players buy into it, we are successful,” Zook explained. “If we continue to play as we are right now, and avoid injuries or sickness to key players, we are in line for the playoffs. The team has set a goal to compete for the 2A Championship.”  Last season saw the Falcons go 5-0 in the 2A Valley Region before exiting the playoffs in the first round. They are eager to make more progress and are working hard after a 3-3 start. At press time, their biggest win was an 11-0 home victory over Fountain Hills, and they also had a successful trip to Tucson, with a thrilling overtime 1-0 victory over Desert Christian. They will finish up the regular season by facing region teams Phoenix Christian, Maryvale Prep, and St. John Paul II Catholic, as well as Chandler Prep and Arete Prep.  The Gator girls look to follow up on their dramatic 2-1 overtime victory in the AIA Open Division State Championship last year, which saw them win their fifth straight state title. They started the season 4-1-1, dropping a tough overtime loss to O’Connor before rebounding with 1-0 and 14-0 victories against Boulder Creek and Camelback, respectively. There was some tight competition, and with 1:36 left in the match against BC, senior Kyleigh Carr scored to snap the shutout and give Xavier their first win of the season. Four freshmen, one sophomore, five juniors, and 14 seniors make up the roster, with Olivia Yu, Lara Henderson, and Francesca Diaz leading the team in goals. Senior Elie Lopez leads with shots, while Henderson has a team-high two goals per match. Senior goalkeeper Colleen Cundiff and freshman Avellina Saunders both have shutouts on the season. The Gators face fellow 6A Central Region teams Desert Vista, Sunnyslope, and Millennium, along with Shadow Ridge and Pinnacle, in the lead-up to the playoffs. PHOTO COURTESY OF VERITAS PREP PHOTO COURTESY OF VERITAS PREP PHOTO COURTESY OF XAVIER PREP