New Haven United FC and UConn midfielder Preston Alessio has been named TopDrawerSoccer.com 2026 NPSL Young Player of the Season.

"Alessio continued to show that he can impact games against quality opposition this summer with New Haven United, building off an impressive freshman campaign at Connecticut," TopDrawerSoccer.com Director of Content Travis Clark said. “He's a top talent from the region and has a bright future ahead of him.”

Alessio contributed three goals and three assists during the 2026 NPSL campaign, leading New Haven to the North Atlantic Conference Final.

“Preston has been with our program for quite some time and has been a major part of our success over the last two seasons,” New Haven United FC  Director of Player Development & Head Coach Kledis Capollari. “He’s an exciting attacking player who brings great energy in 1v1 situations and is always looking to take players on and make an impact in the final third.  His willingness to express himself on the ball, along with his work ethic and commitment to improving, gives him a very bright future.  We are all incredibly proud of him at New Haven United and can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next.” 

The Beacon Falls, CT native played his youth soccer with Connecticut FC and attended the Taft School. The four-time All-State player earned a plethora of honors during his career, including Class A All-NEPSAC (three times), ECNL First Team All-Conference (two times), ECNL Virginia All-Section Game, 2024 New England Soccer Journal Prep Player of the Year, 2024 United Soccer Coaches All-American, 2024 All-New England, 2024 Connecticut Boys Soccer Gatorade Player of the Year and 2024 NEPSAC Class A Player of the Year.

At UConn, he continued to make an impact, earning recognition as a BIG EAST All-Tournament Team selection. In 2025-2026, he appeared in 19 matches (six starts) for the Huskies. He recorded three goals and four assists, playing 806 minutes. He even scored the game-winning goal against Akron in the BIG EAST Semifinal, sending UConn to the BIG EAST Final.

“Firstly I want to thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ,” Alessio said. “To him be all the glory. Secondly, I want to thank all my teammates and the coaching staff for helping and supporting me to be a better player each day. I couldn’t do it without you guys.” 

The winner of this award is selected by the TopDrawerSoccer.com staff. 

Photo Credit: Dominic Goal-Maciaszek/New Haven United FC and Alex Lafaille/New Haven United FC  

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