Westlake's Marco Hernandez named LA Daily News 2026 Boys Soccer Player of the Year

Hernandez led the Warriors to the CIF Southern Section Division 5 quarterfinals with 30 goals and 10 assists.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:42pm

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring a soccer player in mid-motion, with vibrant brushstrokes and neon colors capturing the raw athleticism and dynamism of the sport.Hernandez's goal-scoring prowess and relentless play style made him a standout performer for Westlake this season.Los Angeles Today

Westlake High School senior Marco Hernandez has been named the LA Daily News' 2026 Boys Soccer Player of the Year. Hernandez finished the season with 30 goals and 10 assists, leading the Warriors to a 14-5-4 record and a quarterfinal appearance in the CIF Southern Section Division 5 playoffs.

Why it matters

Hernandez's standout season is a testament to his hard work and talent, cementing his status as one of the top high school soccer players in the Los Angeles area. His performance this year was the highest scoring output by a Westlake player in over two decades, showcasing his exceptional skills and ability to impact games.

The details

Hernandez, who moved to the Westlake area before his freshman year, had strong seasons on the junior varsity and varsity teams, but this year he emerged as the area's top player. In the playoff game against Bellflower, Hernandez scored three goals in a six-minute span to turn a scoreless game into a blowout victory for Westlake.

  • Hernandez finished the 2026 season with 30 goals and 10 assists.
  • Westlake went 14-5-4 overall and reached the CIF Southern Section Division 5 quarterfinals.

The players

Marco Hernandez

A senior at Westlake High School who was named the LA Daily News' 2026 Boys Soccer Player of the Year after leading the Warriors to the CIF Southern Section Division 5 quarterfinals with 30 goals and 10 assists.

Aerick Brown

The head coach of the Westlake High School boys soccer team, who praised Hernandez's exceptional performance this season as the best he's seen in over 20 years.

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What they’re saying

“He had an exceptional year, you don't see this very often. I don't know. I haven't seen it in 10, 20 years.”

— Aerick Brown, Westlake High School Boys Soccer Coach

“He's like (Robert) Lewandowski. He gets his knee or his toe on it and bashes it in. And he can score with his head.”

— Aerick Brown, Westlake High School Boys Soccer Coach

What’s next

Hernandez is undecided on where he will play next year, but his coach believes he will succeed at the next level, whether it's at a junior college or NCAA college program.

The takeaway

Marco Hernandez's standout senior season at Westlake High School has cemented his status as one of the top high school soccer players in the Los Angeles area. His exceptional performance, which included a 30-goal, 10-assist campaign, is a testament to his hard work and talent, and has generated excitement about his future at the collegiate level.