Previewing Cincinnati high school boys soccer's top goalies
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While the kickoff of the 2026 high school soccer season is still a month away, the Enquirer is getting preseason coverage rolling with looks at the top returning players across each position group.
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The defensive anchors of every unit and the first group to feature are the goalies. Here are some key keepers to watch in 2026.
Be sure to vote for your favorite using the ballot at the end of the story. You can vote once an hour until 4 p.m. Friday.
Hayden Carter, Harrison
In his junior campaign, Carter tallied 147 saves with nine shutouts, allowing just 19 goals through 20 games. His three saves in a shootout win over Loveland in the district semifinals were instrumental to the Wildcats claiming a district championship, and he earned a spot on the Enquirer's all-city first team.
Landen Darling, Mason
As a sophomore, Darling secured 10.5 shutouts in goal for Mason. The Comets allowed just nine goals all season en route to a 14-1-3 record, and Darling's skills will only improve in his junior season.
George Fey, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy
With 60 saves to just 17 goals allowed, Fey held down the Eagles' defense as they finished the year with a 12-3-2 record. He recorded five shutouts as a junior and could have an even better season in 2026 as CHCA figures to return more than a dozen incoming seniors after graduating just five players this offseason.
Booker Gifford, Covington Catholic
Gifford was instrumental in Covington Catholic's state runner-up season. He recorded 181 saves as a junior while allowing just 27 goals as the Colonels went 18-8-2 overall. He was named to the Kentucky High School Athletic Association all-tournament team for his performances, highlighted by his 12 stops to shut out South Oldham in the semifinals.
A.J. Goff, McNicholas
Goff's performance in goal was a bright spot for the Rockets in 2025. The junior recorded 111 saves with eight shutouts, allowing 24 goals as McNicholas reached the district finals with a 10-9-2 record.
Scotty Hall, Wilmington
Hall was a brick wall in his junior season, stopping 91% of shots on goal as he racked up 133 saves. Allowing just 13 goals and recording six shutouts, he helped Wilmington go undefeated in conference play and finish with a 14-1-3 record. Hall earned first-team all-city honors for his performance and will look to build on that in 2026.
Nick Maslin, Lakota East
Maslin was one of the top goalies in the Greater Miami Conference in 2025, tallying 82 saves with only 25 goals allowed. As a young Thunderhawks team continues to develop, look for the incoming senior to build on his three shutouts from a year ago.
James McKernan, St. Xavier
The Enquirer's co-defensive player of the year for Division I allowed 21 goals in 18 games, with six shutouts, in helping the Bombers reach the Division I state semifinals. McKernan's 73 saves led the Greater Catholic League-South, and he was a first-team all-league and all-district selection.
Judah Muck, Batavia
Muck led a tremendous Batavia defense as a sophomore, leading the Southern Buckeye Athletic and Academic Conference with eight shutouts and allowing just nine goals. His efforts in the net led the Bulldogs to a 10-3-2 record in 2025.
Brady Smith, Loveland
Opponents frequently found themselves frustrated against Smith's defense as the sophomore secured 11 shutouts in 2025. With 76 saves and only 9 goals allowed, he saved nearly 90% of all shots on goal last season. With the incoming junior Smith being joined by four incoming senior defenders, the Tigers look to be stingy once again.
Vote for your favorite boys soccer goalkeeper ahead of the 2026 season
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Previewing Cincinnati high school boys soccer's top goalies