It has been a standout week for Central New York soccer, with local high school teams earning serious recognition in the latest state rankings — and the Syracuse area has plenty to celebrate on both sides of the ball.

In girls soccer, two Section III teams have opened the 2026 season ranked at the very top of the first state rankings of the year, according to Syracuse.com. That kind of early-season dominance signals just how strong the local programs have become, and it sets an exciting tone for the weeks of competition ahead.

The boys side is equally impressive. The latest state boys soccer rankings show a trio of Section III teams breaking through into the rankings, with local powers continuing to hold their ground. Syracuse.com’s own weekly boys soccer rankings, updated through September 21, also note a change at the top of one class — a sign that the competition within the region is fierce and the talent is deep.

For student-athletes, coaches, and the communities that pack the sidelines on crisp fall evenings, these rankings are more than just numbers — they reflect months of hard work, early-morning practices, and the kind of team chemistry that only comes from a shared commitment to excellence.

Section III, which covers much of Central and Northern New York, has long been a hotbed for soccer talent, and this fall’s rankings make clear that tradition is very much alive. With the postseason still ahead, fans across the Syracuse area have every reason to follow their local squads closely as the push toward sectional and state championships heats up.

Whether you’re cheering from the bleachers in Onondaga County or watching from across the region, this fall’s soccer season is shaping up to be one worth remembering for Central New York communities.

Sources: Syracuse.com, Syracuse.com, Syracuse.com