The opening week of the 2026 sectional soccer tournaments continues today with first-round and quarterfinal action throughout Section 2.
Fifteen girls' soccer first-round contests will be held, while ten first-round and quarterfinal games will take place in the boys' soccer tournament.
Top games
- Class AAA boys - No. 5 Albany at No. 4 Saratoga Springs, 7 p.m.: These Suburban Council foes tied 2-2 in late September and finished the regular season with identical plus-13 goal differentials. They now meet for a Class AAA semifinal berth. Saratoga (7-6-1) lost five of its final six games, with the lone win coming against top-seeded Shaker. Albany (7-5-4) won once in its last five, beating No. 6 Colonie. The winner will face Shaker on Monday.
- Class AA boys - No. 5 Queensbury at No. 4 Niskayuna, 5 p.m.: Niskayuna (6-6-2) beat Foothills Council champion Queensbury (8-3-5) in their only regular-season meeting. Queensbury finished with a plus-18 goal differential but went 0-2-1 against Suburban Council opponents. Nisky lost four of its final five games, finishing with a plus-2 differential. The winner is likely to face top-seeded Bethlehem, the state's No. 2-ranked team, in Monday's semifinals.
- Class C girls - No. 14 Bolton/Warrensburg at No. 3 Schoharie, 6 p.m.: Schoharie (15-1) has won seven straight since its only loss of the season to Mayfield. Led by sisters Evelyn and Alayna Messner, who have combined for 78 of Schoharie's Section 2-leading 102 goals, the Storm seeks a better opening-round performance after an 8-1 loss to Waterford last year. Bolton/Warrensburg (4-10-2), winless since beating Class D Hadley-Luzerne in late September, faces a challenge just to advance past the first round.
Player to watch
Cooper Bibighaus, Loudonville Christian boys: The Eagles' offensive catalyst, Bibighaus, can both finish chances and create them, likely making him the focal point of No. 14 Galway's defense when it meets No. 3 Loudonville Christian today. In one week this October, Bibighaus scored a hat trick against Mekeel Christian Academy, recorded six assists against Johnstown, and added two goals and two assists against Fonda-Fultonville. His vision, movement and precise delivery on passes, corner kicks and crosses make him difficult to contain, even when opponents build their defensive plans around him.
Brackets, scores and more
Boys' soccer
Girls' soccer
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There’s more to Albany with the Times Union. Subscribe today for just 25¢.This article originally published at Section 2 soccer playoffs: What to watch in today's postseason action.