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Four takeaways from the last month in New England recruiting
Four takeaways from the last month in New England recruiting
January 29, 2026
January and February are the slowest months of the year for game action across New England. But that doesn’t mean recruiting news has quieted.
In fact, with major national showcases for ECNL, MLS Next and Girls Academy occurring recently, the last month has actually been quite busy on the recruiting front. That is especially true on the boys’ side, where colleges are finalizing their 2026 rosters following the frantic transfer portal period. We’ve accounted for several Class of 2026 boys’ commits since the New Year began. Even though it’s been a slow drip, the boys’ Class of 2026 is fully forming.
Elsewhere, girls from ECNL and Girls Academy have announced their collegiate plans in the aftermath of those national events. Recruiting season truly never stops, but this felt like a good time for a check-in following our December recruiting roundup.
Here are four takeaways from the last month in recruiting, including the boys’ players who found homes and a look ahead to what’s next as spring looms. Let’s dive in.
Boys Class of 2026 takes shape
As mentioned earlier this week in our “Which NEPSAC boys teams have the most Class of 2026 college commitments” story, the Class of 2026 is starting to round into focus. Our database lists well over 100 players, and commitments have picked up more steam over the last month.
Jonny Osinski, whose steady play on defense helped Mount Saint Charles capture the NEPSAC Class B title this fall, committed to the University of Rhode Island. Osinski earned All-American honors during his postgraduate season and plays club for IFA New England. Mount has seen a boost in recent weeks and now has eight players in its Class of 2026 committed to college programs. Goalkeeper Aiden Tucker is Providence-bound, while forward Johnluca Frenzilli, midfielder Ian Harmon and forward Carter Robbins are all committed to Division 2 Saint Michael’s.
Speaking of IFA, the club had two more Class of 2026 commitments this month. Striker Michael Le committed to Williams and forward Bora Ceranoglu chose Bates. Le is a pacy and athletic attacker with a knack for finding the back of the net. He consistently impressed me last spring during IFA’s run to MLS Next Flex and should transition seamlessly with the perennial NESCAC power. Meanwhile, Ceranoglu is fresh off a dominant season for Milton High in the Bay State Conference, earning MIAA All-State honors. The clinical finisher recorded 22 goals this fall and set a school record by scoring Milton’s first nine goals of the season. Ceranoglu rejoined Milton for his senior season, opting to play for IFA’s MLS Next Academy team to regain high school eligibility. It’s great to see the recruiting process work out for him.
Elsewhere in the Class of 2026, FSA and South Windsor forward Hayden Xhokaxhui committed to Stonehill on Jan. 10. That’s a great get for Stonehill as Xhokaxhui was one of the top players in the ECNL New England Conference last spring, capturing First-Team All-Star honors. He’s an extremely fast player, especially in the open field, who consistently puts pressure on opposing defenses, thanks to his athleticism and shot. Xhokaxhui followed up his strong club season by setting the South Windsor school record in goals (30) this fall to earn All-American honors. Xhokaxhui was certainly flying under the radar.
Two more Class of 2026 commits to highlight from January: Seacoast United’s Griffin Kozak chose Merrimack on Jan. 12, and Avon Old Farms forward Derek Yeboah committed to Holy Cross. Both players are worthy of Division I commitments due to their elite size and skill.
Post-ECNL Florida flurry
The ECNL Girls Florida showcase has come and gone. But the prestigious national event led to three immediate commitments from New England Class of 2027 players. The FSA 2009 duo of Sadie Aston and Mia Morello both committed in the days following Florida. Aston chose Stonehill, and Morello committed to the College of Charleston.
Aston earned a spot on our ECNL Girls 2009 Best XI team last season. Her versatility, speed and IQ made her a dependable center back for FSA. Aston’s coaches feel she’s only scratching the surface of her potential. Morello is the latest standout to come from 2024 state champion Mercy High (Conn.). The midfielder impacts matches on both ends.
FC Stars White 2009 defender Riley Young also committed to Assumption after ECNL Florida.
NEFC Girls Academy duo commits
To kick off January, NEFC GA players Sydney Rech and Hanna Holden announced their commitments to Holy Cross and Bryant. Rech forged a breakout junior season for Pingree, scoring a team-leading 25 goals to fuel a Class B playoff appearance. The explosive forward is one of the best playmakers around and joins a promising Class of 2027 for Holy Cross, alongside defender Gabby Calvo (Acton-Boxborough/FC Stars Blue), midfielder Hannah Lasch (Hingham/Select) and goalkeeper Marielle Nassiff (Scorpions SC).
Holden (Holliston High) is Bryant’s first Class of 2027 commitment and brings a defensive-minded approach to the midfield, where she excels at breaking up runs and distributing under pressure.
Elsewhere in Girls Academy, Oakwood and East Longmeadow High midfielder Anna Roman committed to Albany.
What’s next?
As the calendar nears February, the soccer season enters a bit of a lull across New England. But the action isn’t too far away. Once March hits, the club season will be in full force for ECNL, MLS Next and Girls Academy. More showcases are also on the horizon. ECNL Phoenix (March) and ECNL North Carolina (May) represent major recruiting opportunities on the girls’ side. MLS Next Flex in May is also massive, while the GA Spring Showcase (April) in North Carolina marks another important event. Of course, league play throughout the spring months gives college coaches the chance to see players live way more than the fall season. Don’t forget, the recruiting window for Class of 2028 players begins in June.
One thing I’m looking out for on the recruiting trail over the next few months is when the Class of 2027 boys’ commitments start happening. Last year, commitments for the Class of 2026 began in March when Logan Moniz and Eli Ackerman chose their homes. Will the flurry happen earlier or later? It remains to be seen, but just last week, New England Revolution Academy goalkeeper Ryker Fauth committed to Saint Joseph’s. He’s one of the few commitments we’ve accounted for so far on the boys’ side in the Class of 2027. They will come — we just don’t know when.
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Four takeaways from the last month in New England recruiting
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