2026 Boys Soccer Season Recap

Season Record: 8–7 overall, 6–2 conference

The Ravens boys soccer team put together a competitive season, finishing with a winning conference record and earning a postseason run into substate play.

Regular Season Highlights

Hillcrest closed out the regular season in strong fashion, defeating Sigourney-Keota 2–0 on the road in their final game. Despite dealing with warm temperatures and an energized opponent, the Ravens got on the board early when Isaac Beachy ’27 pushed in a cross from a long Kale Bailey ’27 throw-in. In the second half, Angel Sambrano ’26 set up Isaac Birky ’26, who slipped a low shot to the near post to double the lead. Garrett Bontrager ’28 and Beckett Miiller ’29 combined for the shutout in goal.

Throughout the season, the team leaned on a deep roster. The backline of Lincoln Miller ’26, Simon Willems ’29, Beckett Slaubaugh ’27, Rhys Bender ’28, and Landon Allen ’29 anchored the defense. The midfield featured Kale Bailey, Danny Meyers ’27, Isaac Beachy, Abe Widmer ’29, and Mateo Rodriguez Yoder ’28, while up top Isaac Birky, Jaxson Brokaw ’29, Angel Sambrano, Rowan Miller ’26, and Charlie Hughes ’28 provided the attacking threat.

Postseason

In the first round of substate play, Hillcrest hosted Columbus Catholic in a tight, physical match. The Sailors scored eight minutes into the second half on a long-range shot, but the Ravens responded with a late equalizer — Kale Bailey’s throw-in found Charlie Hughes, who headed the ball into the corner to make it 1–1 and send the game to overtime.

Playing into the wind in the first overtime didn’t slow the Ravens down. Isaac Birky put a ball in front of goal, and Jaxson Brokaw poked it in during a scramble for the golden goal with three minutes left in the period, sealing a 2–1 victory. Garrett Bontrager recorded 3 saves in goal.

The Ravens’ postseason run ended in the next round against West Central Valley.