Lincoln girls soccer leans on depth, leadership and a fresh attack heading into 2026
Des Moines Lincoln enters the 2026 girls soccer season with a familiar identity and a new challenge. The Railsplitters bring back experience, depth and technical quality, but replacing the production of graduated senior Evelyn Soto-Contreras will be one of the central storylines for this group. The outlook around Lincoln is still an optimistic one, built on a roster that mixes a strong senior core with key returners and several players ready for bigger roles.
That foundation starts with possession and skill on the ball, two areas that should help shape Lincoln’s style all spring. The Railsplitters believe their strength will be in their technical ability and their comfort keeping the ball, which should allow them to control stretches of matches and create chances. Turning those chances into goals will be a major point of emphasis, especially after the graduation losses up top, and Lincoln also will look to tighten up its set-piece defending as the season develops.
One of the most encouraging developments is the return of junior Ashley Flores-Garcia, who is back after missing last season because of injury. Flores-Garcia was an all-conference performer as a freshman, and her presence gives Lincoln an important boost as it searches for attacking punch and veteran composure. Junior Ana Moguel looks to continue her strong defensive play as a returner on defense. Sophomore Edith Calderon is another player to watch after a strong freshman campaign, while junior goalkeeper Yazzlin Lucero returns as an important leader between the posts.
Lincoln’s senior leadership should give the team a steady edge as the year begins. Gbomi Kayode, Arianna Stanton, Anahi Sanchez-Garcia, Samantha Ortiz-Rivera and Brooklyn Hookes headline a group expected to guide a roster with strong depth across the field. That experience could be especially valuable early, as the Railsplitters work newer additions into the lineup and settle on the combinations that best complement their returning core.
There will be no shortage of early measuring-stick matches. Lincoln opens April 3 against Ballard in the first game of the season, a chance to see how the new-look team comes together under match pressure. Later in the month, an April 16 meeting with Roosevelt looms as a major conference test against one of the stronger teams on the schedule. Those matches should offer an early read on how quickly Lincoln can turn its possession game into results.
With a deep roster, an experienced senior group and proven players returning to the fold, Lincoln has plenty to build around. If the Railsplitters can replace lost goals, finish more consistently in front of net and clean up defensive set pieces, they have the pieces to make this a competitive and exciting season for Abraham Lincoln supporters.
