The Xavier girls soccer team suffered a 5-0 defeat against The Prairie School in the WIAA Division 4 state championship, failing to secure a repeat title. The Prairie School capitalized on corner kicks, scoring three goals directly from them, including two headers by Meghan Gavigan in the first half. Despite losing 11 seniors from their squad, Xavier ended the season with a record of 22-2 and had previously allowed only nine goals all year. The defeat ended a remarkable run, marking their 13th state appearance and fifth title game. Coach John Meyer praised the senior class for their significant contributions to the program.

By the Numbers
  • Xavier allowed only 9 goals in 24 games before the championship match.
  • The Prairie School scored 3 goals from corner kicks in the title game.
State of Play
  • Xavier's player development has noticeably improved, with emphasis on leadership and team resilience.
  • The Prairie School demonstrated superior technical skills and execution during the match.
What's Next

The Xavier program will need to rebuild as they lose a significant number of seniors. Underclassmen aim to step up and continue the legacy, leveraging their experiences from a successful season. Continued focus on technical skill development, especially on defending against corner kicks, is essential for future success.

Bottom Line

Xavier's journey highlights the importance of experience and skill execution in high-stakes games. The loss serves as a stepping stone for growth, as the remaining players seek to carry forward the strong foundation laid by their seniors.