Who were the top boys and girls soccer players in RI this season so far? Here are our picks
How should we describe this?
Most valuable? Most outstanding? Most impactful? Truthfully, it doesn’t matter.
Those superlatives are more worthwhile after all the matches have been played. That won’t be until the middle of November, as the Interscholastic League will crown eight soccer champions across four divisions apiece on the boys and girls sides.
Some contenders have emerged. Some still have a month to find their best form. That last weekend is the proving ground, and it’s no lock the programs with the best records to this point will be lifting trophies.
The players listed here have played key roles with winners. They’re helping drive what should be legitimate bids for glory. Some will be all-tournament, some will be All-State — only the future knows at this point.
These are small groups — they're in no way indicative of how the major honors could shake out by the time fall ends. Other players will elbow their way in. Performers who decide a critical match or two have yet to announce themselves. The door is open for them to claim a slice of recognition when the moment comes.
We’re basing these selections off scores reported to us and our own observations. We’re always open to more information. You can reach us from 6 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday at (401) 277-7340 or any time at pjsports@providencejournal.com.
Thanks in advance for getting in touch.
Boys Soccer
More: Who is the Storm Works Athlete of the Week in Boys Soccer? You can vote here
Aidan Bienvenue/Joshua Neves, North Smithfield
How do you include one without the other? These two Northmen senior strikers operate like twins separated at birth. North Smithfield is perfect atop Division II thanks to a steady supply of goals from the front — Bienvenue and Neves are equally dangerous every night.
Max Jackson, La Salle
The Rams feature one of the state’s deepest midfields. Evan Conceicao, Moises Morales, Edgar Barillas — they all could feature here. Jackson gets the nod in this spot for playing in the middle and functioning as the most attack-minded of the group.
Marcello Perretta, Bishop Hendricken
La Salle would be the current top seed in Division I, and its lone loss to date came courtesy of this sophomore. Perretta scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory in the season opener and hasn’t stopped. The Hawks are among the league contenders partly thanks to his touch in front of opposing cages.
Jake Pezza, North Kingstown
The Skippers graduated some elite talent and have kept right on winning — and scoring. Pezza is at the forefront of an offense that has netted at least three goals in nine of its first 11 matches in Division I. A third straight finals berth could be in the near future.
Kody Poplaski, Chariho
The Chargers are currently a mid-table team in Division II, but that won’t mean anything once the playoff brackets are cemented next month. Entering as the two-time champion brings a certain level of confidence, and having a match winner like Poplaski as an attacking midfielder only adds to it.
Girls Soccer
More: Who is the Storm Works Athlete of the Week in Girls Soccer? Vote here
Fallon Bagley, Rogers
Can the Vikings finish the job this time in Division IV? They will if Bagley has her way. She’s been on a scoring tear from the opening match for the returning league runner-up, and a rematch with champion Providence Country Day could be in the cards.
Calla Bruno, Westerly
The Bulldogs are the lone perfect team remaining in Division III. Toll Gate clipped them at the finish line last season, but Westerly seems a little extra potent this fall. Bruno has been a handful for opposing defenses to this point in 2023.
Nicole Calle, Cumberland
The only Division I team without a loss to date? The Clippers, and they’re doing it without All-American junior Emma Kucal. Calle has stepped into a leadership role as a senior and flourished, replacing the offensive punch typically provided by her strike partner.
Amaya Coffie, Pilgrim
New coach, key graduation losses, parity in a tough league — none of it has stopped Coffie to date. She’s enjoying a strong senior season and the Patriots are atop Division I-A under Ross Carroll. Coffie is committed to Providence and will join her sister, Alanna, with the Friars next season.
Ryann Denecour, Chariho
The Chargers dropped their first match and won their next six to announce themselves as contenders in Division I. Denecour is generally the focus of opposing defenses and has still found a way to lead her team in goals and assists to date.
On X: @BillKoch25
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Top RI high school boys and girls soccer players so far this season
