Portland Boys Varsity Soccer Begins a New Chapter in 2026

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Following a 2025 season that saw the Portland High School boys varsity soccer team battle through a difficult schedule and win a memorable district game against league foe Lakewood in overtime, the Raiders enter the 2026 season facing a very different challenge: rebuilding a team with only eight returning players while developing a large group of underclassmen into varsity contributors.

Portland graduated seven seniors last year, including the team’s top two goal scorers and a four year starting goalkeeper. This year’s Raiders will look considerably different, with a mix of experienced returners and new players being asked to take on important roles from the opening whistle.

Portland’s returning group includes just three seniors: center back William Roof, forward Nolan Schneider and defender Joey Ballard. An experienced group of juniors, including All District midfielder Gustavo Maldonado, midfielder Ivan Abel, and center back Paxton McNair will be counted on to provide leadership as well. The Raiders return 3 goal scorers from last year’s squad in Maldonando (3), Abel (3), and Roof (1).

The limited number of returning players means that everyone on the roster will have an opportunity to make an impact immediately. The returning Raiders will be tasked with drawing on their experience while simultaneously helping a young group learn what it takes to compete at the varsity level.

While the new faces have less experience at a high school varsity level, there is no shortage of talent in the young group. Forward Jule Brzezinski joins fellow sophomores Zayden Edwards and Easton Allison, and adds another dimension to the Portland attack. Rounding out the talented group of newcomers, the Raiders also welcome freshman goalkeeper Keller Abel, along with Paxton Fox, Drew Swanson, Arj Patel, Nathan Leik and Isaiah Hanje.

The incoming group brings energy and athleticism, but perhaps most importantly, it gives Portland the opportunity to build a new core that can grow together over the next several seasons.

The Raiders host several home games this season. Games begin at 5:30 at the Portland High School Soccer field, located directly behind the tennis courts. Entry is free and the community is invited to come out and support the team.

● Wednesday August 19 v Fowlerville

● Friday August 21 v Potterville

● Monday August 24 v Dansville

● Monday August 31 v Waverly

● Wednesday September 2 v Lansing Sexton

● Tuesday September 8 v Olivet

● Thursday September 24 v Ithaca

● Thursday October 1 v Eaton Rapids (Senior Night)

Photo 1

Back Row: Assistant Coach, Doug Abel, Joey Ballard, Nolan Schneider, Zayden Edwards, Gustavo Maldonado, Ivan Abel, Paxton McNair, Easton Allison, William Roof, Coach Chris Roof Front Row: Nathan Leik, Drew Swanson, Keller Abel, Paxton Fox, Arj Patel, Isaiah Hanje Not Pictured: Jule Brzezinski

Photo 2

Ivan Abel & Gustavo Maldonado celebrate after putting the ball in the back of the net against Belding in a preseason scrimmage.

Photo 3

Senior Nolan Schneider goes for a ball in a preseason scrimmage vs. Lakewood

Photo 4

Defenders Joey Ballard, Will Roof, and Paxton Fox look on as Keller Abel makes a save.