7 Austin-Area Boys Soccer Teams, 17 Players to Watch in Playoffs

From Class 6A powerhouses to upstart 4A teams, here are the Central Texas squads and standout individuals to keep an eye on as the postseason gets underway.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Texas high school boys soccer playoffs have arrived, and several teams and players from the Austin area are poised to make a deep run. The American-Statesman highlights 7 squads from multiple classifications, as well as 17 key individuals covering all positions, who could thrive this postseason.

Why it matters

The boys high school soccer playoffs represent the culmination of months of hard work and preparation for these student-athletes. As the "soccer version of March Madness" gets underway, the spotlight will shine on which Central Texas teams and players can rise to the occasion and potentially reach the state championship game in Georgetown.

The details

Among the teams to watch are Class 6A powers Westlake and Vandegrift, as well as upstart squads like Northeast and Elgin. The Chaps and Vipers are led by talented midfielders and forwards, while the Raiders and Wildcats feature standout goalkeepers and playmakers. Across the various classifications, 17 individual players are highlighted for their ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball.

  • The Texas high school boys soccer playoffs begin as early as Thursday.
  • The state championship game will be played in Georgetown.

The players

Mateo Palma

One of the area's better midfielders, playing for Hays High School.

Yul Kim

A wall in goal for Hays High School.

Jaden Musgrove

Leads the attack at forward for Hays High School.

Kiran Kini

Gives the Raptors of Friendswood High School a dangerous attacking duo with 17 goals and 3 assists.

Kieran Tower

Gives the Raptors of Friendswood High School a dangerous attacking duo with 15 goals and 5 assists.

Kevin Guiterrez

Striker who scored 17 goals for Northeast High School.

Alex Garcia

Goalie for Northeast High School with 9 shutouts.

Joseth Perez

Midfielder for Northeast High School with 17 assists.

Grant Simmons

Goalie for Round Rock High School with 15 shutouts and only 8 goals allowed.

Conner Courville

Striker for Round Rock High School with 11 goals and 4 assists.

Andres Kippar

Paces the backline for Round Rock High School.

Luke Hawley

Leads the Vandegrift offense with 17 goals and 7 assists.

Grant Teodecki

Contributes 13 assists for the Vandegrift offense.

Ryder Atwood

Phenomenal defender for Vandegrift who also has 9 goals and 4 assists.

Max Sauceda

Senior midfielder who controls the game flow for Westlake High School.

Mateo Gorman

Forward for Westlake High School who tallied 17 goals in district play.

Kaz Seyhoon

Forward for Westwood High School who combines with Rodrigo Garcia to form a talented attack.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This preview of the boys high school soccer playoffs highlights the depth of talent across the Austin area, with several teams and individuals poised to make deep postseason runs. From Class 6A powerhouses to upstart squads in smaller classifications, the next few weeks will showcase the best the region has to offer on the pitch.