SBLive Arkansas Top 25 preseason girls soccer rankings

The first Arkansas girls soccer rankings of the season

By George Mitchell | Photo by Ted McClenning 

With soccer season about to kick off, we are releasing the debut SBLive Arkansas Top 25 girls soccer rankings. SBLive uses a power system to rank several sports regardless of class. This is our first year to offer a soccer ranking. 

1.Bentonville

Should contend for both the 6A-West title and state title. Returns one of the most loaded rosters with three all-state selections and four who have committed to compete at the college level (including track).

2. Bentonville West 

Returns the backline, goalkeeper, and leading scorer from the 2022 Class 6A state championship team. Inexperience at the high school level for some new players.

3. Fayetteville

Returns eight starters and five additional players with experience, in addition to a “dynamic” freshman. Won 17 games last season and finished runner-up at state.

4. Northside 

Moves to the 6A-West. Needs to fill gaps left by graduating seniors but will be as competitive as last season. Will have a new goalkeeper.

5. LR Christian Academy 

Won the 5A Central last season and reached the semifinals before falling to Siloam Springs.

6. Mount St. Mary

Returns a senior at midfield and at defense. Will lean on sophomores and (freshmen) for the upcoming season.

7. Siloam Springs 

Should do well in the 5A-West and make a deep run in the state tournament. Had depth last season with seven returning players and adding some freshmen to the mix.

8. Conway 

Finished second in the 6A-Central and lost to eventual runner-up Fayetteville in the second round of the state tournament.

9. Pulaski Academy 

Moves up to Class 5A and still expects to be a contender in the state tournament. Won the past two Class 4A state titles.

10. Harrison 

Features a young team with only six seniors. The new players should fit in quickly and gain experience with a tough nonconference schedule.

11. Brookland 

Returns a solid force of players that will impact from one side of the field to the other. Freshmen will provide added depth as the team continues to build upon its defense from last season.

12. El Dorado 

Advanced to the semifinals in 2022 after winning the 5A South. Returns nine seniors.

13. Shiloh Christian 

Looks to build upon last season’s successes with a league title and playoff run. Returns young players, along with some JV players and freshmen.

14. LR Central 

Should contend for a playoff spot in the 6A-Central. Reached the second round last season.

15. Benton 

Expect to contend for a playoff spot in the 5A South. Lost in the first round last season.

16. Joe T. Robinson

Sports a large senior class and a good group of young players. Played well last season, but injuries took a toll down the stretch. Could content for Class 4A title.

17. Bauxite 

Returns nine starters with a solid defense and good senior leadership to build upon last season’s success with its second trip to the state playoffs.

18. Harding Academy 

Won back-to-back Class 3A titles and moved up to Class 4A. Outscored opponents 25-2 in the 2022 playoffs.

19. Episcopal 

 Is the favorite to win the 3A-East and the Class 3A title. Lost to Harding Academy in last season’s finals.

20. Central Arkansas Christian 

Returns a couple of all-conference and an all-state player who provides senior leadership. Lacks experience on outer wings and on defense. This is the first season for coach Riley Sullivan.

21. De Queen 

Finished 7-0-2 in the 4A South and second behind Bauxite last season.

22. Green Forest 

Makes a fresh start with only a few solid returners but mostly a new team with lots of new, young talent. Lost eight seniors to graduation.

23. Maumelle Charter

 A solid program that is still developing. Lost to Harding Academy in the second round last season.

24. Life Way 

Lost in the first round last season to Riverview. Five three-year starters return but may use up to four freshmen.

25. Cave City 

Still building after graduating six seniors. Does return its top scorer from the past two seasons and its strong defender. Needs to find a goalkeeper and develop its defense.