This list was developed while considering many different factors including program track records, recommendations from coaches, game observations, and roster strength. With that being said, much of this is subjective and opinions can vary. To the best of our ability, these rankings will reflect the reality of the soccer environment. Adjustments will be made as the season progresses and many conversations will take place. We look forward to those discussions.

Also, included in each article is a section titled Teams on the Verge. These teams ranked just outside our Top 10 but are considered to be in contention. The rankings are fluid and flexible; any team could quickly enter our Top 10 list.

Class B Boys Top 10 Ranking

1. Omaha Skutt
2. Lexington
3. South Sioux City
4. Crete
5. Norris
6. Blair
7. Aurora
8. Schuyler
9. Gross Catholic
10. Waverly

Teams on the Verge: Beatrice, Bennington, Mount Michael Benedictine, Northwest, Omaha Roncalli, Ralston

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Chace Hutchison

This contest was featured as Nebraska Preps’s game of the week and for good reason. Nebraska Soccer Talk tagged along with Mike Sautter to cover the game. It is worth noting that it was wonderful seeing the stands packed with fans from both sides. These fan bases really got into the game and that enhanced the atmosphere on the field.

Omaha Skutt is a traditional Class B powerhouse that looks to be the frontrunner again this year. Skutt is correctly the #1 ranked team in Class B according to Nebraska Soccer Talk. Their opposition, Omaha Westside, is looking to reclaim a position atop the competitive Class A field. Westside is a big name with a new coach and high expectations. 

Really evident from the beginning was the differing attacking philosophies. Omaha Westside did very well to remain in possession of the ball, especially on their half of the field. Their defenders and goalkeeper were very comfortable with the ball, and Skutt seemed content with not opening themselves up. 57% of the game possession went to the Warriors but only five shots were created during the game. Using athleticism in the final third seemed to be the tactic as long passes were played in from the back. As timing develops throughout the season, goals should be produced, and forward Tristan Alvano looks to be that goal scorer for Westside. 

While having less of the ball, Skutt Catholic seemed to do more with it. Their possession and passing patterns were attack centric. It was a fun style of soccer that did contain more risk and turnovers, but also created more attacking chances. Even with almost ten minutes less of ball possession, the Skyhawks were able to double the amount of shot opportunities. Their entire team seemed to be connected and well organized. 

Thanks to players such as Caleb Vos, Andrew Davidson, and John Meyers, the Skyhawks put on an impressive display. Vos controlled the left side of the field and had more than a few impactful runs. Davidson really controlled the midfield. He was the connector, and the game really went through him.

This game was a physical and chippy matchup as both teams were awarded and converted a penalty kick. This PK would be Westside’s lone goal, while Skutt would find the net two more times.  As the night progressed, Westside did earn a few yellow cards. That will happen to a team that has many strong athletes. 

Game Result – Omaha Skutt 3   Omaha Westside 1

Man of the Match – Andrew Davidson 

NEST Quick Hits 

• Nebraska Wesleyan is getting a very good player with Caleb Voss. He is a fluid athlete with exceptional ball skill. Perhaps even more important, he seems to understand the game in real time. He was able to impact the game through his vision and defensive angles. 
• Omaha Skutt is the absolute frontrunner for Class B boys. There are other contenders, but this is a very good team at every position. 
• It was fantastic to see both communities come out and support their team. The stands were full and enthusiastic. The game of soccer is growing in Nebraska, this game solidified my belief in that.
• During the post game conversations, Nebraska Soccer Talk was able to discover the secret sauce of the Skutt program. It turns out the soccer program really took hold once a “borrowed” plastic lawn decoration was brought into the fold. The medium sized and decorated plastic bird has seen better days, but it is sure to have some fond soccer memories. Just to be clear, the previous owner was long ago notified and gave their blessing for further usage. 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Chace Hutchison

Two top ten teams met Thursday night in Grand Island in a game that would live up to the hype. Unfortunately, Nebraska Soccer Talk could not attend in-person, but this game was broadcast by News Channel Nebraska. Early on the Islanders looked to be running away with this contest as a clinical finish by Javier Baide and a Silverhawk own goal made the scoreline 2-0. The Islander momentum gradually faded as Southwest settled into the first game of the season. As the game continued, Lincoln Southwest showed themselves to not only be talented but composed as well. An equalizer would come during the beginning portion of the second half. From there, both teams created a fair number of chances and demonstrated their top ten quality. In the end, Lincoln Southwest would seize the moment as senior Eli Rhodes scored an impressive game winner. 

Game Result – Lincoln Southwest 3   Grand Island 2

Man of the Match – Ramzy Hamouda (1 goal & 1 assist; super sub that changed the dynamic of the game)

NEST Quick Hits 

• These teams justified their Pre-Season Top 10 rankings. It was back and forth, but both sides were able to demonstrate exciting soccer skill. This was an absolute joy to watch from start to finish. 
• Javier Baide has that next level soccer talent. Baide’s seemingly effortless burst will be a problem for defenders throughout the season. His understanding of space and positioning in the box is also an important attribute. This is a goalscorer through and through.
• Eli Rhodes is THAT guy for Lincoln Southwest. He is a do-it-all midfielder with an endless motor. His composed game winner was fun to watch and so was the celebration afterwards. He and his teammates went wild, the passion for the game was observable. 
• Ramzy Hamouda is a name to know for the future. This appeared to be his first game in a Lincoln Southwest uniform and he made quite an impression. His substitution into the attacking midfield was the catalyst for the Silverhawk comeback. A battle for the starting position is sure to follow.  

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Chace Hutchison

After a year hiatus from high school soccer, anticipation around the state was mounting as we moved towards opening day. That excitement was only bolstered by the fact that many programs decided to test themselves right away.  A premier matchup featuring #5 ranked Papillion-La Vista South (Class A) and #3 ranked Lexington (Class B) was first on our list. It was an entertaining game that contained many exciting moments of individual and team talent. Lexington came out on top with a one to zero victory, and that victory was well earned as the Minutemen controlled momentum from start to finish.

The organization and movement of Lexington was particularly impressive. It appears they will be a team that looks to advance the ball through the midfield, before looking to the outside runners just as they cross midfield. Despite first game challenges, Papillion-La Vista South was in position to tie or win down the stretch. One shot in particular looked goal bound if not for a first-class save by the Lexington keeper. The Titans looked fluid on the counter attack throughout the game. Adjustments seemed to be made at halftime resulting in a much more balanced second half. 

Game Result – Lexington 1   Papillion- La Vista South 0

Man of the Match – Junior Casillas

NEST Quick Hits 

• Junior Casillas is as good as advertised. His skill set is as complete as they come as it contains speed, confidence on the ball, controlled touch, constant movement, and a bit of flair. He is and will continue to be one of the top overall players in the state. This player needs to be getting more recognition from the media and colleges. 
• Lexington’s defense was solid throughout this intense matchup. Lots of composure on the backline, and it was evident that a build up pattern is present. The defensive players knew their roles and where the ball should be placed. Unique to them is the presence of a DEEP sitting center back. It is one of the first things a soccer eye notices, and it was effective on this day. 
• Papillion-LaVista South was without their star player Jack Redd for this game. It appears that Redd is healing from an injury. We would have loved to see him against Lexington because a player of that caliber changes the dynamic of a game.  
• For South, Parker Hylok is a bright spot for the future. The freshman started in all contests this weekend and held his own. 
• Lexington made the most of their road trip to the Metro. They went on to play two more games: winning the second, but losing the third. 
• PLV South rebounded during their next contests. They went on to win their next two games and win the Bellevue East invite. 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Chace Hutchison

Despite a couple good opportunities in the second half and overtime, the University of Nebraska Mavericks were left with a single point on the road against the University of Missouri-Kansas City Kangaroos.  UNO forward Sophia Green led the Mavericks in shots, while Rileigh Kuhns registered the only two shots for the Roos.  Both teams’ keepers and their defenses kept shutouts, but it was the Roos’ keeper Mackenzie Caldwell who was the busier of the two.

NEST Quick Hits

• The first half was fairly even, with a slight tilt to UNO.  UNO Junior Margaret Lavigne was a solid presence in the backline, but she also came away with the best chance of the first half.  Lavigne was denied an almost certain header goal by a brilliant save from Caldwell.
• The game was physical throughout, but UNO’s Grace Crockett earned the only yellow card.  Crockett’s physicality and hard-tackling was present throughout the game.
• The UNO Mavericks couldn’t quite put their attack together.  Their attackers all had good moments throughout the game, but not often at the same time.  Regan Zimmers was dangerous in the first half, Green was dangerous in the second half, and Grace Ostergaard popped up late to create some chances.
• Grace Thede is becoming an important player for the Mavs.  She is a solid outside back, and when the Mavs need help unlocking a tough defense, the coaching staff moves her forward.  She was able to provide a spark for UNO in the second half and overtime, and nearly repeated her heroics from the USD game.
• UMKC’s Emma Wilson (Westside HS alum) is an absolute force in the midfield for the Roos.  In her youth and club career, she was always a physical presence and a dictator of play, and she still gets it done at the college level.
• A  point on the road is always good in a conference like the Summit League.  The Mavs probably deserved 3.  Caldwell made 3 incredible saves, and the Roos defense scrambled another one away.  Still, in a tight game like this, UMKC almost snatched victory late, but Bela Gonzalez was unable to force the ball over the line.

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Joe Cleary

Previewing an upcoming season is never an easy task. To do so properly takes countless hours of emails, observations, statistical research, conversation, and reflection. Adding onto that difficulty are challenges, such as a cancelled 2020 season and lingering COVID restrictions, making our preview preparation feel almost impossible.

Despite these obstacles, the approaching 2021 season and its participants – whether that be players, coaches, fans, or families – deserve some semblance of normalcy. Soccer in Nebraska and all those who participate deserve to be promoted. Over the course of the next several weeks, NEST will overview EVERY high school soccer program in our state. This was done to the best of our ability using all of the information we could collect.

Nebraska Soccer Talk is here to support many fantastic teams, coaches, players, fans, and referees that make our game possible. One mission of this venture is to discover and centralize newsworthy information. This can only be done in collaboration with individual programs. As a whole, our sport must better promote itself in order to grow the player and supporter pool. We encourage every team to proudly and consistently advertise itself to us and the general public. The more information available, the more our game will grow. Soccer is a game historically left behind to linger in the background in the United States. That circumstance is changing, but that change will not happen automatically. Growing and covering all aspects of our sport will take effort from all of those who love it.

Disclaimer – To prepare for these articles, a questionnaire was sent to every school’s head coach and athletic director. Many of these questionnaires were returned in a timely fashion, others were not. Nebraska Soccer Talk prides itself on equal and in-depth coverage, but cooperation is needed to meet that goal. Please consider this to be our reasoning when it comes to article length and accuracy.

Creighton Prep

Head Coach Info – Tom Hoover

Previous Records

Players to Watch – Ryan Brakke – Creighton University soccer signee

State Status – Front Runner, Contender, Dark Horse, Up-And-Coming, Building, Too Early To Tell

Previous Season Accomplishments – 2019 Class A State Runner-Up

NEST Analysis – Creighton Prep is a program very familiar with high expectations, and the 2021 season will be no exception. The last time we witnessed their play was in the 2019 Class A state championship. It will be exciting to see if this team can return to that stage and finish with a different result. An excellent season is anticipated as Creighton Prep ranked #1 in our Class A pre-season poll.

Prep has a fantastic squad that is filled with talent at almost every position. It is a school that attracts soccer talent year in and year out. Ryan Brakke will be a player to watch as he is the latest Bluejay to fulfill Division I dreams. Brakke recently signed with Creighton University and will be showcasing his talents in Omaha for years to come. 

Finally, Coach Hoover brings an almost unrivaled amount of experience. He and his staff have built a tremendous program. His teams are a pleasure for any soccer fan to watch. 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast on Spotify.

Chace Hutchison

Previewing an upcoming season is never an easy task. To do so properly takes countless hours of emails, observations, statistical research, conversation, and reflection. Adding onto that difficulty are challenges, such as a cancelled 2020 season and lingering COVID restrictions, making our preview preparation feel almost impossible. 

Despite these obstacles, the approaching 2021 season and its participants – whether that be players, coaches, fans, or families – deserve some semblance of normalcy. Soccer in Nebraska and all those who participate deserve to be promoted. In the following article series, we will reveal our Pre-season Top 10 rankings for the 2021 season. 

This poll was developed while considering many different factors including program track records, recommendations from coaches, and roster strength. With that being said, much of this is subjective and opinions can vary. The rankings will be updated on bi-weekly basis. To the best of our ability, these rankings will reflect the reality of the soccer environment. Adjustments will be made as the season progresses and many conversations will take place. We look forward to those discussions. At season’s end, we will look back to review these preseason rankings. What did we get right? Where did we go wrong? Which team surprised us all? 

Also including in each article is a section title Teams on the Verge. These teams ranked just outside our Top 10 but are considered to be in contention. The rankings are fluid and flexible, any team could quickly enter our Top 10 list.

Class A Boy’s Pre-Season List

1. Creighton Prep
2. Omaha South
3. Gretna
4. Lincoln Southwest 
5. Papillion-La Vista South
6. Papillion-La Vista
7. Kearney
8. Grand Island
9. Lincoln East
10. Omaha Bryan

Teams on the Verge: Omaha Burke, Lincoln High, Millard West, Elkhorn South, Omaha Central, Millard North, Omaha Westside, Columbus High, North Platte

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast on Spotify.

Chace Hutchison