Numerous boys soccer matchups are must-watch ones
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In every sport, when a schedule is released, its fans look at it up and down and see which game is one they have to get to. There's plenty of must-see action every year, and this fall is no exception to that rule at all.
Area fans of boys soccer know there's dozens and dozens of great games throughout the two-month regular season. But we're going to break it down to the top-10 games to get out to this fall. Make sure your calendar is handy to circle these dates.
Central Columbia at Lewisburg
(Thursday, Sept. 3)
The Blue Jays are coming off a 16-4 season in which Central Columbia won its second consecutive HAC-II league title. Lewisburg went unbeaten last year, won yet another District 4 championship and was crowned the best team in PIAA Class AA to win its fifth state championship.
In other words, this has the makings of a early heavyweight showdown between two outstanding Class AA teams in District 4.
Central Columbia came shy of reaching the district final, losing in the semifinals to Midd-West. Lewisburg and the Blue Jays met once last year in which the Green Dragons won, 4-0. But Lewisburg lost a lot of the talented scorers who helped dish out that punishment such as Viktor Permyashkin, now at Bucknell, and Isaac Ayres.
But Lewisburg, as many area soccer fans know, never rebuilds; they simply reload. The Green Dragons will be good again this year, but expect Central Columbia to be eager to put up a better showing and show they can compete with the best.
Wellsboro at
Montoursville
(Saturday, Sept. 12)
The Warriors and Green Hornets met twice last year, once in the regular season and then again in the playoffs and both games were great contests.
Montoursville won the regular-season matchup 2-0 in mid-October before beating the Green Hornets again in the playoffs, 3-1.
Last year was the best season in Montoursville history in terms of how it started and the final record. The Warriors are eager to get back and build off that, despite some key graduation losses and players not returning.
Wellsboro is being coached by former coach John Shaffer, who returns for his second stint at the helm. Shaffer helped guide Wellsboro to its only ever district title in the 2010s and he's going to have Wellsboro competing in tight games, just like Todd Fitch did in previous years.
This should be another good matchup between these two programs.
Midd-West vs.
Lewisburg
(Wednesday, Sept. 15 and Monday, Oct. 19)
Would any top-10 games to watch list be complete in boys soccer without Midd-West vs. Lewisburg?
These two schools have been rivals since well, forever.And they always seemingly put on great matchups against each other. Lewisburg has Midd-West's number of late, especially in the playoffs, but that doesn't mean these two competing isn't must-see soccer.
Last year the two battled to a scoreless draw in double overtime in their first game before Lewisburg won the second game, 2-0. In the third matchup in districts, Lewisburg beat them in the district final, 2-0.
Both Lewisburg and MIdd-West had graduation losses, but both always play great regardless of who's in the starting 11 every single time they meet up. Both of these games should be more of the same when it comes to this rivalry with great soccer being played.
Loyalsock at
Warrior Run
(Thursday, Sept. 17)
These two teams met up last year in which the Defenders earned a 4-1 win over coach Steve Ertel and the Lancers. That loss stung for Loyalsock, no doubt, but the Lancers are definitely eager to get back and avenge that loss from last year.
Loyalsock has played well the past few seasons under Ertel, who has shown he can get the best out of his players and get them to believe in themselves and one another.
Warrior Run will be a tough team once again this year, but so should Loyalsock. That means this one should be a closer matchup than last year's game was.
Wellsboro at
Jersey Shore
(Saturday, Sept. 19)
Jersey Shore didn't have the best year last season by winning just five games, but the Bulldogs have talent on their roster this year and Mitch Cornelius does a good job every fall coaching the Bulldogs.
Last year, Wellsboro and Jersey Shore met up early and the Bulldogs suffered a 3-1 loss on the road. This year, the Bulldogs host the Green Hornets and hope the result will be different.
The Green Hornets lost some key pieces from last year's team like many other teams in the area did. Wellsboro will be a tough team to beat, however, but Jersey Shore is looking to show that they can compete in the district again after missing the playoffs last year after a year making it to the District 4 Class AA quarterfinals.
Montgomery vs. Muncy
(Saturday, Sept. 26 and Wednesday, Oct. 14)
Muncy and Montgomery are nearby rivals and are also Mid-Penn foes. While there's no Old Shoe Trophy to play for in soccer like their football counterparts do, that doesn't mean these two don't play good games when they meet up.
Both games in 2025 were extremely close games. Muncy lost the first matchup in overtime, 1-0, before getting some revenge and winning the second game, 2-0.
That's what makes rivalry games fun when both schools can earn a win over each other in a two-game series.
Muncy missed out on the postseason last year and went 6-12, but the Indians play well when their rival comes to town or they head to Montgomery. The 2026 series between the two should give fans some good soccer to watch in the Mid-Penn.
Williamsport at
ALtoona
(Saturday, Sept. 19)
Williamsport's boys soccer team fell in the District 2-4 Class AAAA semifinals last fall and have plenty of talent back from last year's team. The Millionaires want to get back to districts as well and make another deep run.
Williamsport has a lot of talented opponents on its roster, something which happens every year and makes Williamsport better in the end.
Another talented team they'll face is Altoona, who is coming off an 8-10-1 record. The Lions played well down the stretch last year and caught fire at the right time and will look to keep that momentum going into 2026.
Williamsport always plays well no matter who the Millionaires line up against, and the Millionaires don't overlook any opponent, regardless of what their record is.
Williamsport will be ready for this road trip against Altoona and coach Brett Hofstrom will look to have the Millionaires leaving with a win.
Montoursville at
Loyalsock
(Wednesday, Sept. 30)
Last year, Loyalsock coach Steve Ertel summed it up best when discussing Montoursville vs. Loyalsock in boys soccer: "There's just something about that bridge."
That rivalry game between these two always brings out the best with them and leads to some outstanding games to watch in the stands.
Last year, the Lancers and Warriors battled to a scoreless draw in double overtime. A year prior, it was Montoursville earning a tough 2-1 win against Loyalsock. In 2023, they had two close 2-1 games and in 2022, the two had a great playoff battle in which the Lancers won 2-1.
Needless to say, when these two meet up, expect a thriller, and there's no reason to expect their 2026 matchup in late September to be any different.
Montoursville at
Williamsport
(Monday, Oct. 19)
This will be the first meeting between Montoursville and Williamsport in a few seasons, and given their talented campaigns last year, this season's game should be a good one.
Williamsport reached last year's District 2-4 Class AAAA semifinals and Montoursville reached the District 4 Class AA semifinals. Both have strong teams again this year and should make playoff pushes again, and this one should be a good game between the two.
It also will serve as a great playoff tune-up right before districts begins to give both teams an idea of what they need to clean up entering playoffs.
Balls Mills always is a great environment and atmosphere for soccer games, and this late October matchup should have a good crowd with these two fan bases.
Lewisburg at
Montoursville
(Wednesday, Oct. 21)
Lewisburg and Montoursville met up last year in the District 4 Class AA playoffs and Montoursville gave the eventual PIAA Class AA champions everything it had.
Facing Lewisburg is a tall task and a lot of teams may get intimidated simply stepping on the field against a perennially great program which has captured five state titles, the most of any team in District 4.
But Montoursville isn't like that and last year knew they could compete with the Green Dragons. Montoursville didn't get a win, but they scored a goal against Lewisburg and battled to a 3-1 loss.
Montoursville and Lewisburg both lost some key players from last year's teams, but this one should still be a good game between the two schools who are looking to keep up that success from last year in 2026.
AREA ROSTERS
CENTRAL MOUNTAIN
COACH: Billy Hook
ASSISTANTS: (not available)
LAST YEAR: 8-7-3 (3-2-3 HAC-I) (lost to Hollidaysburg 2-1 OT in District 6 Class AAA semifinals)
LEAGUE: HAC-I
ROSTER: Seniors: Yayfran Sanchez, Che McAllister, Tommy Croce, Alton Counsil, Yurek Lamey, Ben Brinker, Jean Portillo, Cameron Counsil, Tony Croak. Juniors: Gabryel Killinger, Louden McKean, Aaron Streator, Rayland Croak, Brody Swanger, Landon Spotts, Tobias Conoway, Parker Spotts, Benjamin Bennett, Collin Confer, Chase Anders, Bentley Andrus, Eli Santonic, Cameron Rhine, Ruger Dutrow, Cooper Confer, Brody Condor, Shelson Marcelin. Sophomores: Elijah Shadle, Cameron Raymond, Robert Willis, Braylon Szostek, Thompson Bechdel, Talen Heimer-Fye, Hayze Smith, Christian Briggs. Freshmen: Malachi Grieco, Rowan Weikel, Bryson Weikel, Rome Kirkhoff, Levi Nace, Austin Dupert, Landon Cross, Henry Stuber, Tristan Leitch, Brayden Berry, Ashton Gray, Dominic Rosamilia.
HUGHESVILLE
COACH: Cole Lesher
ASSISTANTS: (not available)
LAST YEAR: 9-9-2 (3-3-1 HAC-II) (def. Danville 2-1 OT in first round of District 4 Class AA playoffs; lost to Midd-West 3-0 in quarterfinals)
LEAGUE: HAC-II
ROSTER: (not available)
JERSEY SHORE
COACH: Mitchell Cornelius
ASSISTANTS: (not available)
LAST YEAR: 5-10-3 (1-4-2 HAC-I)
LEAGUE: HAC-I
ROSTER: Seniors: Dylan Hensler, Luke Sarge, Dekin McDermit. Juniors: Aiden Lape, Kaleb Morse, Gabe Welshans, Vaughn Eberhart, Tyler Beck, Ezra Paulhamus, Nate Grant, Orrin Pennycoff, Clayton Hart, Owen Rhea. Sophomores: Ben Gill. Freshmen: Kane Welshans, Torrey Delaney, Kaleb Kreider, Thane Jones.
LEWISBURG
COACH: Ben Kettlewell
ASSISTANTS: Stephen Pavlov, Jevin Martin, Adam Slear, Holden Coyle (manager), Sahiid Sanchez (manager), Charles Kettlewell (manager), DJ Campbell (manager), KNox Abunassar (manager)
LAST YEAR: 24-0-1 (7-0-1 HAC-I) (league champs; def. Warrior Run 5-0 in District 4 Class AA quarterfinals; def. Montoursville 3-1 in semifinals; def. Midd-West 2-0 in championship; def. Lake Lehman 3-2 in first round of PIAA Class AA playoffs; def. Devon Prep 2-0 in state quarterfinals; def. Faith Christian 1-0 OT in state semifinals; def. Fairview 1-0 in state championship)
LEAGUE: HAC-II
ROSTER: Seniors: Gabe Pawling, Keegan Crosby, Matt Newcomer, Riley Gulden-Luthi, Aiden Berry, David Tiling, Evan Berger, Colby Jacob. Juniors: Dylan Vogel, Caden Papson, Jack Kohl, Roan Beachy, Lincoln Ayres, Eli Abunassar, Daedrian Campbell, Porter Willis, Blake Gulden-Luthi. Sophomores: Mason Pawling, Jeremiah Todd, Maxwell Wheeler, Marcos Iudica, Lake Troxell, Sam Barbella. Freshmen: Henry Kerber, Silas Wilkinson, Noah Criswell, Malek Aboueid, Jo Wakabayashi, Leon Kass, Elijah Newlin, Owen Kettlewell, Mateux Beachy, Noah Kettlewell, Bryan Billet, Ben Litchenfeld, Ethan Forbes, Taylor Gulden-Luthi.
LOYALSOCK
COACH: Steve Ertel
ASSISTANTS: Jim Ellis, Robert Chambers, Allen Page, Ed Dadzie
LAST YEAR: 8-9-2 (2-4-1 HAC-II) (lost to Wellsboro 2-1 (2 OT) in first round of District 4 Class AA playoffs)
LEAGUE: HAC-II
ROSTER: Seniors: Ethan Boyer, Tyler Kennedy, Luke Edmonds, Ryan Lingg, Trenton Miller, Caleb Hartsock, David Bjorkman. Juniors: Julian Oliver, Gianluca Roskowski, Oen Peck, Dylan Eck, Brady Picking, Eli Rinehart, Wesley Johnson. Sophomores: Aiden Wetzler, Gamal Fahmy Rabea, Jackson Bennett, Connor Rodgers, Landon Singer, Ethan D'ouza, Justus Miller. Freshmen: Brayden Lindsay, Ethan Meadows, Parker Phillips, Myles Younes, Kason Burrows, Gabriel Mauro, Colton Meixel, Connor Linn, Kade Flack, Isaac Stiger, Matthew Anjard.
N.P.-LIBERTY
COACH: Matt Grinnell
ASSISTANTS: Jason Jackson
LAST YEAR: 10-8-1 (7-4-1 NTL) (lost to Warrior Run 5-0 in first round of District 4 Class AA playoffs)
LEAGUE: NTL
ROSTER: Seniors: Kolton Alexander, Jonathan Kieser, Parker Jackson, Luke Chakraborty, Silas Boiywo. Juniors: Sudan Benner, Mason Forer. Sophomores: Kai Wheeland, Cameron Crowl, Garrett Worthington, Cooper Barnes, Kollin Lampman, Colton Barnes, Jason Fairchild, William Bishop, Nathan Knefley, Nicholas Ohnmeis, Nicholas Young, David Graf. Freshmen: David Linquist, Dillon Kinat, Gaige Rice, Isaac Pereira, Ayden-James Ross, Wyatt Farr, Ayden Kinzer, Owen Lisowski, Conor McEvoy.
MILTON
COACH: Aidan Welch
ASSISTANTS: Tom Celona, Desmond Shaffer, Eric Yoder, Brett Ballo, Caleb Eger
LAST YEAR: 7-11 (1-5 HAC-I)
LEAGUE: HAC-I
ROSTER: Seniors: Tavin reitz, Yomar Vargas, Anthony Dozier, Vincent Zheng, Ean Shaffer, Tobin Strous, Orrie Godown. Juniors: Lucas Shearer, Gavin Swanson-Batman, Hudson King. Sophomores: Ben Jones, Cooper Waltman, Gabe Heise, Liam reeder, Jackson White, Cahner O'Grady. Freshmen: Camden Springer, Jack Gessner, Drake Satteson, Kyle Williams, Ryker King, Mac Jones, Caleb Maurer, Brett Boyd, Hunter Ficks, Levi Hoover, Lucas Zheng, Carter Fredericks.
MONTGOMERY
COACH: Michael Sherman
ASSISTANTS: Doug Rife, Landon Vanord
LAST YEAR: 11-8 (3-5 Mid-Penn) (lost to Millville 3-1 in District 4 Class A quarterfinals)
LEAGUE: Mid-Penn
ROSTER: Seniors: Parker Bennett, Cash Hill, Conor Irwin, Shawn Pysher, Cody Sechrist, Dylan Sherman. Juniors: Collin Gregory, Gage King, Jackson Wilver. Sophomores: Gionni Groman. Freshmen: Carson Barto, Gavin Lindsey, Jaxon Masters, Daniel Schmidt, Dylan Sherman.
MONTOURSVILLE
COACH: Adam Mertes
ASSISTANTS: Joseph Balduino, Christian Calehuff, Ed Winslow, Bryan Pauling
LAST YEAR: 16-2-3 (5-0-3 HAC-II) (def. Lourdes 3-1 in first round of District 4 Class AA playoffs; def. Wellsboro 3-1 in quarterfinals; lost to Lewisburg 3-1 in semifinals)
LEAGUE: HAC-II
ROSTER: Seniors: Aiden Jackson, Austin Davidson, Brody Hagemeyer, CJ Lucas, Colton Beadle, Cooper Boyles, Mason Fry, Riccardo Montini Bellosio, Simon Dietrich, Wesley Foster. Juniors: Billy Zartman, Brent Crawford, Lukas Easton, Maksim Martinez, Noah Coffman, Tucker Lakes. Sophomores: Carter Beck, Kendyl Lucas, Landon Mertes, Liam Lucas, Raylan Rhone, Ryan Starr, Solomon Gregory. Freshmen: Brisban Hazen, Camden Dockey, Christian Calehuff, Grayson Stroble, Hunter Mumbauer, Jasper Shaheen, Judah Mnkandhia, Levi Nolan, Mason Dempsey, Mason McQuillen.
MUNCY
COACH: Ben Burns
ASSISTANTS: Armando Sassano, Jim Dennis
LAST YEAR: 6-12 (3-6 Mid-Penn)
LEAGUE: Mid-Penn
ROSTER: Seniors: Kyran Lisemnee, Jordan Rothrock, Chris Cummings. Juniors: Landon Hartzel, Daylen Beiitz, Alec Noviello, Tony Stroble. Sophomores: Colson Winters, Gannon Swank, Ben Zalonis. Freshmen: Timothy Buck, Reece Swart, Nate Noviello, Liam Shearer
GALETON
COACH: Jim Sunderlin
ASSISTANTS: Kevin Sykora
LAST YEAR: 7-12 (2-8 NTL)
LEAGUE: NTL
ROSTER: Corbin Basile, Jacob Lowe, David Martin, Braydon Cardy. Juniors: Treyton Sykora, Parker Burrous-Stirnaman, Ethan Wittekind, Max Schloegel, Ransom Schultz, Wyatt Hughes, Parker Brown, Xander Gleason. Sophomores: Ty Lehman, Karleigh Smith, Marshell Malaczewski, EvanMcCosky, Spencer Sweeley, Marshall Foster. Freshmen: Olivea Payne, Tierra Lehman, Millie Reisinger, Mya Schloegel, Destin Gail, Lane Palmer, Ely Vangorder, William Hughes.
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT
COACH: Howard Woodruff
ASSISTANTS: (not available)
LAST YEAR: 3-15 (4-6 Mid-Penn)
LEAGUE: Mid-Penn
ROSTER: (not available)
SULLIVAN COUNTY
COACH: Chris Koschak
ASSISTANTS: Josh Laudenslager
LAST YEAR: 3-15 (2-8 Mid-Penn)
LEAGUE: Mid-Penn
ROSTER: Seniors: Cole Barto, Justin Hemighaus, Lucas King, Carter Lambert. Juniors: Aiden Sperry, Allen Spako, DeShawn Sheibley, Dominic Marotti, Brayden Fitzgerald. Sophomores: Shawn Brophy, Liam Busch, Madden Fries, Ryder Lambert, David Lentz, Zane Miller. Freshmen: Isaiah Bohensky, Sam Barker.
WARRIOR RUN
COACH: Troy Emmert
ASSISTANTS: (not available)
LAST YEAR: 9-10-1 (4-2-1 HAC-II) (def. North Penn-Liberty 5-0 in first round of District 4 Class AA playoffs; lost to Lewisburg 5-1 in quarterfinals)
LEAGUE: HAC-II
ROSTER: Seniors: Max Burden, Jesse Butler, Ty Margargle, Nicholas Stoltzfus, Ayden Reese, Ori Kennel, Gideon Kennel, Ryan Kemock, Braden Beachel, Gavin Bailey, Carter McCormick, Sam McCloskey. Juniors: Ayden Arbogast, Ryan Orwig-Smith, Caden Hoffman, Julius Frombach. Sophomores: Josh Grenoble, Garrison Cromley, Michael Zeigler, Greyson Bastian, Jay Gardiner, Collin Brandt. Freshmen: Jaxon Carnes, Cameron Koch, Colby Koch, Ethan Hoffman, Colton Bailey, Lucian Marquez.
WELLSBORO
COACH: John Shaffer
ASSISTANTS: (not available)
LAST YEAR: 12-6-2 (9-2-1 NTL) (lost to Montoursville 3-1 in District 4 Class AA quarterfinals)
LEAGUE: NTL
ROSTER: Seniors: Kayden Pearson, Kayden Rogers, Jacob Smith, Peter Doan, Coen Tennis, Colin Fletcher. Juniors: Camden Bryant, Xavier Lecker, RJ Doughtie, Connor Hartman, Gabe Cuneo, Brayden Benjamen, Michael Seeling, Wyatt Sprorer, Adam Lewis, Dylan Tomlinson, Stephen Poirer, Zander Rachiele, Octavian Wyman, Fen Moyer, Greyson Martin. Sophomores: Dylon Rodgers, Lewis Baldwin, Lucas Baker, Gage Baltzley, Liam Stevens, Maddon Mascho, James DOughtie, Landon Owlett, Daniel Toboada. Freshmen: Callen Novak, Damon Boyce, Cody Tomlinson, Hunter Frazier, Owen Miller, Nate Rudy, Lucas Taboada, Evan Rawson.
WILLIAMSPORT
COACH: Brett Hofstrom
ASSISTANTS: Lee Kaar, Adam Scheibeler, Derek Gehr
LAST YEAR: 7-10 (1-6 HAC-I) (def. Scranton 4-3 in District 2-4 Class AAAA quarterfinals; lost to Wyoming Valley West 4-0 in semifinals)
LEAGUE: HAC-I
ROSTER: Seniors: Connor Hofstrom, Charles Plummer, Joshua Baird, Peyton Douglass, Max Fink, Brayden Ungard, Isaac Balza, Trace Towns. Juniors: Daiveon Smith, Tyeire Pralour, Brock Lehr, Johannes van Emrik, Trey Zachery, Caleb Shultz, Adyn Anderson, Brayden Harpster, David Castro. Sophomores: Brian Love-Ritchey, Derek Speck, Ayden Barr, Gabe Persun, John Douglass, Lance Watson, Cypress Koch, Zachary Bonislawski, Adoniram Hill. Freshmen: Keldon Van, Bryan Carothers, Luke Hale, Caden Douglass, Ethan Neufer, Jayden Slaughter, Jackson Dunn, Aiven Andrew, Carter Cowden, Xhavier Peterson,