Unveiling the Future: Anticipating the 2026 Girls' Soccer Season
Anticipation Builds for the 2026 Girls' Soccer Season in 3A
As the 2026 high school girls' soccer season approaches, excitement is mounting for teams throughout Class 3A. To give fans a glimpse into what's to come, a comprehensive collection of team capsules has been assembled, featuring insights from every participating school. These previews include critical statistics from the previous season, such as goals per game for offense and defense, and their final RPI rankings. Regional rankings are based on the preseason predictions of coaches, offering an early look at the competitive landscape. This year also introduces two new head coaches to the 3A league: one for North Sanpete and another for Providence Hall, signaling fresh strategies and renewed energy within these programs.
Region 12: Ogden Dominates, Grantsville Aims High
In Region 12, the Ogden Tigers, under the guidance of third-year head coach Alexis King, are once again projected to lead. Their impressive 2025 season saw them finish with a 17-2 record, topping Region 12 with an undefeated 8-0 run and securing the No. 1 RPI ranking in 3A. They clinched the 3A Championship by defeating Manti 5-1, showcasing a potent offense (5 goals per game) and a formidable defense (0.9 goals conceded per game). The Grantsville Cowboys, coached by Stephen Duggan, are ranked second, coming off a 12-7 season and a No. 4 RPI ranking. Despite a semifinal exit against Ogden, they displayed a strong offense, averaging 3.2 goals. Key returning players for Grantsville include Lindsey Orton, Sophie Lawton, Lindsey Wangsgard, Kamry Allen, Alyssa Stevens, and Rylee Douglass, with new talent expected to make an impact. Coach Duggan emphasized a focus on performance and enjoyment, aiming for a successful season while recognizing the fierce competition in 3A.
Region 12 Continues: Morgan, Logan, and Ben Lomond Prepare for Battle
The Morgan Trojans, led by veteran coach Bryan Searle in his 13th year, are ranked third in Region 12. Their 2025 season ended with a 5-12 record and a No. 9 RPI ranking, concluding with a quarterfinal loss to Ogden. They averaged 2.1 goals per game offensively and conceded 4 defensively. The Logan Grizzlies, under ninth-year coach Natalie Norris, finished fourth with a 4-11 record and the No. 10 RPI ranking, exiting the quarterfinals after a tight 1-0 loss to Carbon. Their offense scored 1 goal per game, while their defense allowed 2.7. Rounding out Region 12 are the Ben Lomond Scots, coached by Sarah Espinoza. They finished 2025 with a 4-11 record and the No. 13 RPI ranking, eliminated in the first round by Grantsville. Key returning players for Ben Lomond are Regahn Espinoza and Lorena Hernandez Dias. Coach Espinoza expressed hopes of building a strong foundation for her young team and aiming for competitiveness throughout the season.
Region 13: Manti and Carbon Lead a Competitive Field
Region 13 is poised for an exciting season, with the Manti Templars projected to be the top team. Head coach Nate Bridges, in his sixth year, guided Manti to a 14-5 record and a No. 3 RPI ranking in 2025, reaching the 3A Championship game where they fell to Ogden. Their offense averaged 4.1 goals per game, supported by a defense that allowed 1.4 goals. Manti boasts a strong contingent of returning players, including Madelyn Bridges, McKinzee Chidester, Madi Cox, Andelyn Dewey, Chloe Olson, Carlie Rasmussen, Haddie Rasmussen, and AJ Robbins, along with promising newcomers like Elaina Dewey, Adelie Douglas, Brenna Larsen, Ella Thompson, and Nellie Van Orman. The Carbon Dinos, led by 14th-year coach Cynthia Lancaster, are ranked second. They had an impressive 17-3 record in 2025, winning Region 13 with an 8-0 record and holding the No. 2 RPI ranking in 3A. Carbon's powerful offense averaged 5.6 goals per game, while their defense was the best in 3A, allowing only 0.8 goals. Key returning players include Madi Barlow, Blythe Bradford, Lydia Lancaster, Andrea Swasey, Chrissy Jones, Saren Nelson, Kayla Jones, Malia Smith, Elsie Morley, Josie Yates, and Naomi Smith, complemented by new talents Maeve Bradford and Klara King. Coach Lancaster expressed confidence in her experienced team's hard work and unity to achieve postseason success.
Region 13 Continues: Union, North Sanpete, and Emery Look Ahead
The Union Cougars, with Atlee Zipf in his seventh year as head coach, are ranked third in Region 13. Their 2025 season saw an 8-10 record and a No. 7 RPI ranking, ending in the first round against Logan. Their offense averaged 1.7 goals per game, and their defense conceded 2.7. Returning contributors include Becca Bingham, Charlee Kesler, Devri Duncan, Lynli Jones, Josilyn Gordon, Desi Soto, Abby Jensen, Leili Escobar, and Isabelle Marquez. The team also anticipates significant contributions from newcomers such as Zoey Murphy, Ellie King, Elsie Gardner, Jenna Seely, Lily Sessions, and Zoey Chapman. Coach Zipf is optimistic about the returning players and the fresh talent, expecting a competitive season. The North Sanpete Hawks, currently awaiting a new head coach, finished 2025 with a 4-11 record and a No. 11 RPI ranking, eliminated in the first round by Richfield. Their offense averaged 1.5 goals per game, with a defense allowing 2.9 goals. Finally, the Emery Spartans, led by third-year coach Pennie Stewart, are ranked fifth. Their 2025 record was 4-13 with a No. 14 RPI ranking, ending in an 8-0 first-round loss to Manti. Emery's offense scored 1.5 goals per game, while their defense conceded 5.6 goals, the highest in 3A.
Region 14: Canyon View Leads a Challenging Lineup
In Region 14, the Canyon View Falcons are projected to take the top spot. Under the leadership of ninth-year head coach Steve Newman, the Falcons completed the 2025 season with a 12-7 record, an undefeated 8-0 run in Region 14, and the No. 5 RPI ranking in 3A. Their postseason journey ended in the quarterfinals with a 2-1 loss to Grantsville. Canyon View's offense averaged 2.1 goals per game, and their defense was solid, allowing 1.8 goals. The Richfield Wildcats, coached by David Tait in his 12th year, are ranked second. They recorded a 14-6 record and a No. 6 RPI ranking in 2025, reaching the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Manti. Richfield showcased a strong offense with 3.4 goals per game and an impressive defense, conceding only 1.3 goals. Returning key players include Claire Hulet, Callie Hulet, Sydney Brown, and Destry Probert, with Brielle Tait joining as a key newcomer. Coach Tait expressed enthusiasm for building on the previous year's success.
Region 14 Continues: Juab, Delta, and Providence Hall Set for Action
The Juab Wasps, guided by 15th-year head coach Lisa Kay, are ranked third in Region 14. They finished 2025 with a 7-11 record and a No. 12 RPI ranking, eliminated in the first round by Canyon View. Juab's offense averaged 2.3 goals per game, matched by their defense allowing 2.1 goals. Returning players include Eli Abbott, RaeLee Bosh, Brooklyn Douglas, and Edith Gilbert, with new talent like McKynlee Braithwaite, Sloane Davis, Cynthia Rios, Tenley Blackett, and Nataul Buck expected to contribute. Coach Kay is keen to observe the team's chemistry. The Delta Rabbits, coached by Shanae Eyre, are ranked fourth. Their 2025 season saw a 9-11 record and a No. 8 RPI ranking, ending in a first-round loss to Morgan. Delta's offense averaged 1.4 goals per game, and their defense allowed 2.3. Returning players include Bostyn Nielson, Maggie Taylor, Litzy Caudillo, Mayzi Bryan, and Izzy Bryan. Key newcomers are Quincy Nielson, Salem Smith, Avery Young, Audrey Anderson, and Avee Porter. Coach Eyre is excited about the team's potential and commitment. The Providence Hall Patriots, with a new coach this year, ranked fifth. They concluded 2025 with a 1-14 record and a No. 15 RPI ranking, facing a first-round elimination by Carbon. Their offense scored 0.2 goals per game, while their defense conceded 4.3 goal
