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Who will be the top Salem-Keizer area boys soccer player this fall?
That's for you to decide.
Boys soccer players across Oregon gear up for the 2026 OSAA season and are just a few days away from hitting the pitch for the first time this fall.
But before then, you get to predict which player will be the most impactful from the Salem-Keizer area in 2026. Here are the nominees, brought to you by Maps Credit Union.
Enrique Alvarez, Crosshill Christian/Jefferson
Ruben Bell, Stayton
Julian Cabrera, Cascade
Josue Chavez, McNary
Josiah Dessieux, Stayton
Tate Francisco, Blanchet Catholic
Christian Gragert, Silverton
Arye Harrington, Silverton
Cameron Hewett, West Salem
Alexis Juarez Mendoza, South Salem
Lucas Lee, South Salem
Edgar Martinez Mendoza, North Salem
Jose Navarro, Stayton
Jaiden Ortiz Paredes, North Marion
Xavier Ortiz, McKay
Brady Passage, Sprague
Anthony Ramirez, Sprague
Alessandro Totti Perez, McNary
Damian Vallejo Lopez, North Marion
Lusambo Washikala, North Salem
Information about each nominees is below. Vote for who you think will be the best at statesmanjournal.com/sports. The poll closes at noon Monday, Aug. 31.
Enrique Alvarez, Crosshill Christian/Jefferson
Alvarez earned a bid to the Class 3A/2A/1A all-state first-team roster last fall as a freshman. He's back for an Eagles team that finished last season 11-4-1 overall and third place in Special District 3. OSAA boys soccer split Class 3A from 2A/1A for this upcoming season, meaning Crosshill Christian is soon to compete in a new-look conference with loads of familiar talent on the roster.
Ruben Bell, Stayton
Bell, a senior, was a crucial member of an Eagles midfield and defense that was one of the most dominant forces in the state last fall. He earned Oregon West Conference honorable mention as they tied for the fewest goals allowed (eight) in the state of Oregon across all divisions. Bell's work in the engine room was vital to the Eagles' Class 4A state title and much will be the same this fall.
Julian Cabrera, Cascade
Cabrera claimed a spot on the Oregon West Conference's first-team lineup, but the Cougars we held to a 4-7-3 overall record and only one win in the league. Cascade graduated just two seniors from last season's varsity roster, meaning Cabrera, a junior now, and his teammates bring veteran varsity experience to a new season.
Josue Chavez, McNary
Chavez earned first-team all-Central Valley Conference honors between the posts last fall for the league-winning Celtics. McNary's keeper is back for his senior season with a roster that graduated a lot of impact players but returns enough to aim for a CVC title once more.
Josiah Dessieux, Stayton
Dessieux was a wrecking ball up front for the Eagles and earned second-team all-conference recognition after Stayton's historic 2025 season. Dessieux was a key piece in the Eagles' undefeated campaign that resulted in an Oregon West Conference championship and Class 4A state title. Stayton returns depth all across the field for its state title defense and Dessieux will be a deciding factor throughout the run.
Tate Francisco, Blanchet Catholic
Francisco stamped first-team all-conference and third-team all-state honors on his resume last fall as a junior in Class 3A/2A/1A Special District 2. Now a senior, he'll help lead the Cavaliers into Class 3A's Special District 2, where they'll face off with the likes of Amity, Dayton, Gervais, Salem Academy and more.
Christian Gragert, Silverton
Gragert held it down at the back for the Foxes last fall as a junior, claiming Mid-Willamette Conference and Class 5A all-state first-team honors. Gragert and the Foxes finished fourth in the conference, reached the state quarterfinals and return a strong, large senior class that'll hope to improve upon its 8-3-6 overall record from a year ago.
Arye Harrington, Silverton
Harrington worked for a spot on the first-team roster in the MWC and third-team all-state roster from his attacking role with Silverton a year ago. Harrington, a senior now, returns with a veteran lineup and high goals for the 2026 season.
Cameron Hewett, West Salem
Hewett, a forward, was awarded second-team honors in the Central Valley Conference a year ago. The Titans won just one league game and finished the season 4-9-1 overall, but only five seniors graduated from last year's squad and a veteran share of talent is back on the field. Hewett, a senior, will play a vital role in the Titans' offense this fall.
Alexis Juarez Mendoza, South Salem
Juarez Mendoza, a senior midfielder, was named to the Central Valley Conference second-team lineup in last season's campaign that resulted in a 10-4-3 overall record and second-place league finish. The Saxons' engine room requires a lot from its midfielders, so Juarez Mendoza will play an important role if South Salem is to take its desired leap to the top of the conference.
Lucas Lee, South Salem
Lee was one of the most dynamic forwards in the Central Valley Conference last fall and earned first-team honors in the league. Lee, a junior now, was crucial in the league's highest-scoring offense and will be at the heart of the Saxons' attack again in 2026.
Edgar Martinez Mendoza, North Salem
Martinez Mendoza earned a bid to the Central Valley Conference second-team roster from a Vikings team that finished 4-2-2 in league (6-6-4 overall) last year. He's now a senior in a league swarming with returning varsity talent across the board.
Jose Navarro, Stayton
Navarro was a key cog in the system that was the Eagles' defense a year ago. He earned first-team all-conference and first-team all-state through Stayton's undefeated march to a Class 4A state title. Navarro, a senior now, contributes to the spine of an imposing Eagles defense eager to replicate the success it garnered in 2025.
Jaiden Ortiz Paredes, North Marion
Ortiz Paredes was the Huskies' keepe...
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