Boys’ soccer 2025: Gazette-area teams and players to watch

Multiple 2024 state qualifiers return the talent to get back to Des Moines this spring.

Here’s a look at Gazette area players and teams to watch during the 2025 Iowa high school boys’ soccer season.

Gazette area players to watch

Lincoln Aeschliman, sr., and Kyler White, sr., North Fayette Valley — The defending Class 1A state champs return two first-team all-staters. Aeschliman scored 29 goals last season, second-most in 1A. White, an Upper Iowa University commit, was named to the 2024 Iowa High School Soccer Coaches Association all-tournament Team.

Mason Eggleston, sr., and Braysen Doehrmann, sr., Williamsburg — Eggleston, 2023 Wamac West Player of the Year, missed most of last season with injury. Doehrmann stepped up with 14 goals and earned a first-team all-state honors in Class 2A.

Holden Smith, jr., Cedar Rapids Washington — Smith powered the Warriors to a state semifinal appearance, leading the team with 17 goals and 11 assists. He was named to the Class 3A all-state second team.

Daniel Fuentes, sr., Iowa City West — Fuentes, a first-team all-state pick in Class 4A, scored 24 goals last season, second-most in 4A, and helped lead the Trojans to the state semifinals.

Thomas Cavin, jr., Cedar Rapids Xavier — A first-team all-state selection in 3A, Cavin anchors a tough Saints back line and will be key to Xavier’s defensive strength.

Uriel Andrade, jr., and David Hernandez, sr., West Liberty — Andrade tallied 20 goals in 14 matches as a sophomore. Hernandez posted 241 saves with a 94.9 save percentage, tops in Class 1A.

Cole Angell, jr., and Colby Krupski, sr., Marion — Angell led the Wolves with 16 goals and was an all-state honorable mention in 3A. Krupski, a second-team all-state goalkeeper, had 64 saves and a 90.1 percent.

Christian Scire, sr., West Branch — Scire finished with 25 goals as a junior, good for seventh in Class 1A. He was a second-team all-state selection.

Gazette area teams to watch

North Fayette Valley — The reigning Class 1A state champs bring back two first-team all-staters (Aeschliman and White). The Tigerhawks led all classes with 110 goals last season. Replacing 2024 assists leader, Andre Fuentes, will be key to defending their crown.

Iowa City West — A 2-1 loss in state semifinals to eventual 4A champion Johnston ended the Trojans’ 2024 campaign. West finished 20-3 and defeated West Des Moines Valley, 4-2, in the quarterfinals. First-team all-stater Daniel Fuentes returns to lead the attack.

Iowa City High — The Little Hawks’ season, too, ended in a one-score loss to Johnson (3-2 in the quarterfinals). Leading scorer Taylor Salinas (10 goals as a freshman) returns, along with key seniors Jack Dancer and Noe Semabia.

Cedar Rapids Washington — The Warriors reached the 3A semifinals riding a five-match win streak, including a 2-0 victory over Cedar Rapids Xavier in the quarterfinal round. Top scorers Holden Smith and Jacob Klein are back for Washington.

Marion — The Wolves have been one of the more consistent area teams, qualifying for state in four consecutive seasons under Coach Kory Boebel, including last year’s quarterfinal appearance. All-state returners Cole Angell and Colby Krupski are key contributors.

West Liberty — The Comets reached the 1A semifinals for the fourth time in five seasons after edging Western Christian, 2-1. Top-scorer Uriel Andrade and goalkeeper David Hernandez return for a title push.

Cedar Rapids Xavier — The Saints reached state for a second straight year in 2024. They return top scorer Ty Weiss and first-team all-state defender Thomas Cavin.

Center Point-Urbana — The Stormin’ Pointers gave top-seeded Gilbert a battle in Des Moines last season before falling 2-1 in the 2A quarterfinals. CPU eyes a third consecutive state berth under Coach Curtis Cassidy.

Iowa City Regina — The Regals reached the 1A quarterfinals last season but must replace top scorers Quinn Warren, Jack Hoover and Eddie Peterson. Ethan Beard and Thor Olso (8 goals each) will lead the way.