The Xavier boys’ soccer team looks to turn back the clock this season. After losing during the first round at state last year to Hudson, the Saints look to revenge this loss.

The boys’ goal this season is to win a state championship. The team’s record is 5-3 with  wins against 3A No. 2 ranked Cedar Rapids Washington, 3A No. 1 ranked Iowa City West, and 3A No. 7 ranked Iowa City High.

The Saints are led by captains Matt Been, Luke Duball, Carter Ives, Jon Jacobi, and Nick Koechner.

The      team   is also positively affected by juniors Thomas Bean, Will Hanigan and Tyler Steffensmeier.

“My goal for the season is to help the team out in an way possible and help the team win games,” Duball said.

The Saints upset the No. 3 team class 3A Iowa City West, beating them 2-1 on West’s home field on Thursday, April 6. Bean scored the two goals to help Xavier get the win.

“It was a great feeling because we beat the No. 3 team, and after a long game, it was great to get the win,” Bean said.

Bean also thinks this team is somewhat different from last year’s team and has the talent and potential to go all the way to win a state title.

“We have a really strong senior core, better team chemistry, and overall, more technical ability,” Bean said. “It’s a team that knows how to win games.”

For the seniors on this team, they are enjoying the ride and making the best of it.

“This team is special because we know what it takes to win games,” Duball said.

Duball has one goal in mind.

“Our goal is to make it back to Des Moines and win a state championship,” Duball said.

The next time to catch the Saints play is at rival school Cedar Rapids Kennedy on Tuesday, May 9.

Mahlon Steepleton

Sports Writer