Texas talent prepares for Aggieland Friendship Cup as college scouts watch
Youth soccer clubs across Texas are engaging in preseason scrimmages and friendly matches, preparing for the upcoming 2026-2027 club season for both the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) and Girls Academy Leagues. These preparatory games precede the initial league matches scheduled for late August and early September.
This weekend, the Aggieland Friendship Cup in College Station will host 164 teams in the U13-U19 age groups at Veterans Park. This tournament provides a significant opportunity for young athletes to showcase their skills, especially for college recruiting.
Goalkeepers to watch in Texas youth soccer
Among the promising goalkeepers expected to compete, Oliver, from Challenge SC's U15 team, will face Dallas Texans U14 and Lonestar San Antonio RL U15. She is noted for her athleticism, consistent play, strong positioning, and effective communication with teammates Oliver's consistent play.
Soumaya Dioum, a Rise SC U15 player, will compete against Lonestar Austin Red U14 and Sting Black RL U15. Despite her age, Dioum demonstrates advanced game sense and physicality. Her participation in other sports like basketball and volleyball contributes to her agility and decision-making, making her a dominant presence in claiming crosses and challenging attackers Soumaya Dioum's multifaceted athleticism.
Kaila Kemp, a 6-foot goalkeeper for San Antonio City SC U17, is scheduled to play FC Westlake White RL U17 and Dallas Texans U16. Kemp is recognized for her height and solid goalkeeping fundamentals Kemp's solid goalkeeping.
NCAA Division I recognizes top goalkeepers
United Soccer Coaches announced its NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Players to Watch lists for the 2026 collegiate season on July 31, 2026. These lists aim to promote college soccer as the regular season approaches.
The selections include United Soccer Coaches All-Americans and All-Region players from the 2025 season who are confirmed to return for 2026. Chris Przemieniecki, Senior College All-America Administrator, highlighted these athletes as some of the best in their positions as preseason training begins United Soccer Coaches' 2026 watch lists.
Upcoming NCAA player recognition and Hermann Trophy dates
Following the goalkeeper announcements, United Soccer Coaches will release lists for defenders on August 3, midfielders on August 7, and forwards on August 10.
These positional announcements build anticipation for the 2026 watch lists for the prestigious Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy, which recognizes the Division I National Players of the Year. The women's regular season officially commences on August 13, followed by the men's on August 20.
The 2026 Hermann Trophy recipients will be determined by votes from Division I college coaches at the end of the regular season, with the awards announced on January 8, 2027, in St. Louis, Missouri.
Reporting: Prep Soccer, United Soccer Coaches