The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) boys soccer season is set to commence on September 8, 2026, and with just days to go before the opening matches, predictions for the state champions are being made. This year marks a significant change as GametimeCT has chosen to forecast not only the eight tournament finalists but also the four champions across various classes before the season kicks off.
The predictions for the CIAC tournaments, scheduled for November 21-22 at a yet-to-be-determined venue, highlight a competitive landscape across the state. In Class LL, the defending champions from 2025, Staples, who secured a victory over Greenwich, are expected to face stiff competition. The prediction for this year's championship sees South Windsor emerging victorious against Stamford. South Windsor, which reached the semifinals last year, boasts a talented roster that includes the Lyons twins, Blake and Riley, both of whom are key players. Additionally, midfielder Ian Park and goalkeeper Fran Linares are expected to make significant contributions to the team’s success.
Stamford, who was the No. 8 seed in the previous tournament and faced an upset in the first round, will be looking to bounce back. The Black Knights return strong players such as forwards Matthew Atiencia and Eric Luini, along with defenders Maximo Gromko and Erik Nebylovych. They also have one of Connecticut's top goalkeepers in Magnus Smail. Other formidable contenders in Class LL include Greenwich, Staples, Hall, Glastonbury, Xavier, Cheshire, Fairfield Prep, Notre Dame-West Haven, East Hartford, and Trumbull.
Moving to Class L, last year's champions, Simsbury, defeated Wethersfield, setting a high bar for this season. The prediction for the upcoming championship is Newington defeating Berlin. Newington, just shy of reaching the finals last year, returns star midfielder Jack Vendetti, a CSCA All-State selection. The Nor'easters are expected to be tested in a tough Central Connecticut Conference (CCC) as they aim for their first CIAC final appearance since 2000. Berlin, on the other hand, will rely on the talents of forward/midfielder Tommy Francalangia, who had an impressive season with 20 goals and three assists.
In Class M, Tolland, the reigning two-time champions, are predicted to triumph over Lewis Mills. Tolland's roster remains strong despite the graduation of key player Reid Babcock, who scored 21 goals last season. The Eagles still have forward Johnny Adadjo, who contributed 17 goals and five assists, along with experienced players like Brendan Burney and goalkeeper Jackson Davis. Lewis Mills, who lost in the second round last year, will look to bounce back with key defenders Dominik Wrobleski and Jaxon Baltrush leading their defense.
Finally, in Class S, the prediction sees Haddam-Killingworth defeating Cromwell. Both teams made significant strides in the tournament last year, with Cromwell reaching the semifinals and Haddam-Killingworth finishing as the runner-up. Cromwell's junior striker Frank Chiurillo, who scored 24 goals last season, will be a player to watch, while Haddam-Killingworth will rely on star striker Tristen Edwards, who had 18 goals and 20 assists. Other teams like Morgan and Holy Cross, with their own standout players, will also be in contention for the title.
As the CIAC boys soccer season approaches, these predictions set the stage for an exciting tournament filled with talent and competition, with numerous teams vying for the coveted state championship titles.
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