The only sure thing about the 2026 boys soccer season in Greater Cincinnati is that there is no sure thing.
There is a lot of parity right now with the top teams beating each other, which makes for a lot of fun and intrigue to watch. It also makes it difficult to rank the best teams.
We gave it a good college try. Here is the second set of power rankings for 2026. All records and stats are updated through Sept. 8.
10. Talawanda Brave (7-0)
Last week: 9
The Brave played one game last week, beating Reading 2-0.
Upcoming schedule: vs. Ross (Sept. 10), at Monroe (Sept. 14).
9. Fairfield Indians (6-1-1)
Last week: 1
After losing to Lakota East, Fairfield knocked off Hamilton 4-3 to stay within a game of first place in the Greater Miami Conference. Mekhi Waters has eight goals and four assists.
Upcoming schedule:
vs. Mason (Sept. 10), vs. Harrison (Sept. 15).
8. Mason Comets (4-3)
Last week: 5
The reigning GMC champions and winners of seven of the last eight titles are 3-0 in league play but have not faced one of the other contenders yet. They are coming off a close 2-1 loss to Moeller.
Upcoming schedule: at Fairfield (Sept. 10) vs. Beavercreek (Sept. 12).
7. Summit Country Day Silver Knights (4-1-2)
Last week: 7
The 2025 Division V state champions put together solid shutouts of bigger schools Alter and Loveland last week. They have a big-league showdown with Seven Hills on Sept. 10.
Upcoming schedule: vs. Seven Hills (Sept. 10), vs. Belmont (Sept. 12).
6. Sycamore Aviators (7-2)
Last week: unranked
Sycamore is tied for first in the GMC with a 2-0 win over Lakota West but does have a lopsided 8-0 loss to St. Xavier. Noah Dryer has six goals.
Upcoming schedule: at Colerain (Sept. 10), vs. Hamilton (Sept. 15)
5. St. Xavier Bombers (3-2-1)
Last week: unranked
The defending regional champion and state semifinalists have played a brutal schedule so far but are building strong form after wins over two teams from Chicago over Labor Day weekend. They have lost to Anderson and St. Ignatius, and start GCL-South player with Elder Sept. 9.
Upcoming schedule: vs. Elder (Sept. 9), vs. Lakota West (Sept. 12).
4. Moeller Crusaders (3-1-3)
Last week: unranked
The Crusaders have been up and down but rallied to beat Mason, 2-1, behind goals from juniors Gus Brisken and Owen Nilsson. They start GCL-South play with La Salle on Sept. 9.
Upcoming schedule: at La Salle (Sept. 9)
3. Ryle Raiders (8-2)
Last week: 8
The Raiders have established themselves as the Ninth Region favorite after knocking off defending champion Covington Catholic, 2-1. Danny Harding leads the offense with seven goals and four assists along with Cooper Neace, Chase McCarthy and Preston Scott.
Upcoming schedule: vs. Cooper (Sept. 10), at St. Henry (Sept. 15)
2. Anderson Raptors (5-0)
Last week: 3
Unbeaten overall, the Raptors are one of three times tied for first in the ECC. They have outscored foes 15-1 including a 3-0 win over St. Xavier. Senior Brady Dorko leads a balanced offense with five goals and three assists. The Raptors play Kings Sept. 10 in a rematch of the Division II regional final.
Upcoming schedule: at Kings (Sept. 10), vs. Fairmont (Sept. 12).
1. Lakota East Thunderhawks (5-1-2)
Last week: unranked
East knocked off last week’s No. 1, Fairfield, by a 3-1 count to pull into a tie for first place in the GMC. Miles Polacheck has five goals and Hilary Lanjo three, while senior Nick Maslin has been one of the best keepers in the city with four shutouts.
Upcoming schedule: vs. Lakota West (Sept. 10).
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: See which teams made the 2026 boys soccer Week 2 power rankings
