Salesianum, Saint Mark's Earn DIAA Soccer Bids
Both Wilmington-area schools will defend their 2025 state championships when the DIAA boys soccer tournaments begin next week.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Soccer
Salesianum School and Saint Mark's High School have earned bids to the DIAA boys soccer state tournaments. Salesianum is the top seed of eight teams in Division I, and Saint Mark's is the third seed in the 12-team Division II bracket.
Why it matters
Both programs enter the postseason as defending state champions, making them central contenders in their divisions. Their seeding sets up a path toward the championship games at DE Turf.
Salesianum's 13-2 record and national No. 22 ranking by the United Soccer Coaches are measured against a full season, while Saint Mark's finished 11-4. Salesianum's bracket outcome against Caesar Rodney and Saint Mark's quarterfinal opponent are not yet decided.
The players
Salesianum School
A Catholic boys' high school in Wilmington, Delaware, that competes in DIAA soccer and is the top seed in Division I.
Saint Mark's High School
A Catholic high school in Wilmington, Delaware, that earned the third seed in the Division II bracket and is a defending state champion.
Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA)
The governing body that organizes interscholastic athletic competition among Delaware public and private high schools.
The details
Salesianum did not lose to any Delaware opponent this season, losing only to St. Benedict's Prep and St. Xavier. Three of Saint Mark's four losses came by a single goal. Salesianum opens at home against Caesar Rodney at Abessinio Stadium, while Saint Mark's plays its quarterfinal at the Graveyard.
Timeline
Nov. 12, 2026 at 6 p.m.: Salesianum vs. Caesar Rodney at Abessinio Stadium
Nov. 14, 2026 at 6 p.m.: Saint Mark's quarterfinal at the Graveyard
Nov. 17, 2026: Division I semifinals at DE Turf in Frederica
Nov. 18, 2026: Division II semifinals at DE Turf in Frederica
Nov. 20, 2026: Both championship games at DE Turf
Season Trajectory
Both schools are attempting to repeat as state champions after winning their 2025 titles, a bid that carries the expectations of defending a championship. Their 2026 seeding places them among the favorites in their respective divisions.
Fantasy and bracket players can track Salesianum's top seed and Saint Mark's third seed as the bracket advances toward the Nov. 20 finals. Local fans can follow the schedule of games at Abessinio Stadium, the Graveyard, and DE Turf.
The takeaway
Both programs have a clear path to a second straight state title, but single-goal losses show how narrow the margins can be in the postseason. Following the bracket closely will reveal which team's defense holds up under pressure.
What happens next
The DIAA boys soccer tournaments begin next week at campus sites, with the Division I and Division II semifinals at DE Turf in Frederica on Nov. 17 and Nov. 18 and both championship games there on Nov. 20.
Further reading
For more on the local high school game, see Soccer coverage across the region.
More information
Tickets for the tournament are available on the DIAA tournament ticket purchase page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Dialog.
