Entering his 17th season at the helm, McPherson boys soccer coach Chris Adrian will have a veteran group on the pitch in 2026. The Bullpups made it to the 4-1A State Quarterfinals in 2025, finishing with a 10-9 record. They fell to eventual state champion Rose Hill in the quarterfinal matchup.
From last season’s team, McPherson returns eight of their 11 starters. Junior midfielder Yahir Valadez is the leading returning goal scorer as he had 12 goals and 10 assists in 2025. Senior midfielder Jackson Martin also returns after scoring nine goals and adding four assists last season. Sophomore forward Parker Riemann scored five goals last season and senior defender Grayson Broadus is back after putting up five assists.
In previewing the season, Adrian noted that he likes his the senior heavy lineup and the physicality this group could bring. He did note that the Bullpups lost a lot of offensive production from a season ago, including Manny Morales, Gabe Standfast and Daniel Bowen as the graduating seniors. Adrian expects other players to step up when it comes to scoring goals and feels that some of the players on the roster could be a surprise to Bullpup fans and other spectators this season.
Other players to watch this season include: Mason Eisenbarth (senior defender), Kevin Garcia (junior forward) and Dima Peters (senior defender). Also of note, some freshman will see the field and could make an impact including Miguel Alonzo, Leo Gaspar Mendez and Malachi Griggs.
The Bullpups play one of the toughest regular season schedules of any 4A school. The season gets underway tonight when they host 5A Great Bend at 6:30 at McPherson High School Stadium.
