By Lex Ogilvie/NPSL.com
New Haven United FC’s Preston Alessio has been named the TopDrawerSoccer.com 2026 NPSL Young Player of the Season after helping lead the second-year club to its first NPSL National Semifinal appearance. As New Haven prepares to face Bristol Rhythm AFC on Saturday, he said both the individual honor and the team’s playoff run are a testament to the work put in throughout the summer.
For Alessio, the award is a reflection of both his faith and the countless hours spent developing his game.
“I just wanted to thank God,” he said. “I’m a Christian, so I put my trust and faith in God, and I believe He’s the ultimate reason that I got this award.”
He also credits the recognition to the work done away from gameday.
“I was relieved that some of my hard work off the field was put to recognition,” he said. “The hours I’ve spent in the gym or doing training sessions alone finally paid off when I saw I received this award.”
Alessio’s soccer journey began at four years old, eventually leading him to the University of Connecticut, where he will begin his second collegiate season this fall. He joined New Haven United during the club’s inaugural season in 2025 and has been part of the organization ever since.
That growth has been on full display throughout the 2026 season. After a dramatic late winner just to clinch the conference title and qualify for the playoffs, New Haven United has continued its postseason run.
“We almost didn’t even qualify for the playoffs,” Alessio said. “We had a last-minute game winner to win our conference. We’re just happy to be here right now, but we know we ultimately want to win the whole thing. We’re focusing one game at a time.”
Although the moment was emotional, Alessio admits the significance of the achievement didn’t fully sink in until after the celebrations had ended.
“It was all a blur in the moment,” he said. “I was just so happy that our team won. It finally hit me the next day that we were going to be in the tournament, have a chance to qualify for the Open Cup, and make history with this team.”
As only a second-year club, New Haven United is already creating a foundation Alessio believes can have a lasting impact on the community.
“I think it’s going to grow the club,” he said. “More fans and supporters will be attracted to New Haven. More players are going to want to come here, and the squad is just going to become more competitive every year.”
The midfielder points to one factor above all others for the club’s success this season.
“We have a brotherly love in this team that I’ve never experienced anywhere else,” Alessio said. “All the guys get along so well together, and we fight for each other on and off the field. When someone makes a mistake, nobody complains — we just fight for our brother.”
That chemistry has helped New Haven overcome adversity throughout the postseason, and it will be tested again on Saturday against fellow semifinalist Bristol Rhythm AFC.
“Everyone’s really locked in right now,” Alessio said. “We’ve come so far to get here, but we know we ultimately want to win the whole thing. We’re ready for whatever comes our way.”
A victory over Bristol Rhythm AFC would send New Haven United to its first NPSL National Championship and continue what has already been a landmark season for the young club. While Alessio appreciates the individual recognition of being named the TopDrawerSoccer.com Young Player of the Season, his focus remains on helping New Haven take one more step toward making history.
“We’re just focusing one game at a time,” he said. “We’re ready for whatever comes our way.”
Photo Credit: Dominic Goal-Maciaszek/New Haven United FC and Alex Lafaille/New Haven United FC
