Cedar Rapids Xavier celebrates pair of wins in rare postseason soccer doubleheader

It was a good night to be a Herting.

Inclement weather Tuesday forced a postseason doubleheader Wednesday for the Cedar Rapids Xavier soccer teams at Saints Field.

Sophomore Macie Herting and her brother, senior Wyatt Herting showed up in big ways for their respective teams.

Macie Herting accounted for two scores (a goal and an assist) in the seventh-ranked Saints’ 3-0 Class 2A regional semifinal win over Mount Vernon. Wyatt Herting recorded a hat trick as the No. 5 Xavier boys advanced to the Class 3A state tournament with a 4-0 win over Washington (Iowa).

“It’s great to see her perform,” Wyatt Herting said. “She did it all last year, too, so tonight it was good to see her perform well and me be able to do the same.”

Xavier girls start fast in postponed game

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The girls’ game was originally scheduled for Tuesday. The postponement “didn’t affect our mindset,” Xavier Coach Jacob Johnson said.

“We’ve been grinding all season playing through different elements — the good and the bad.

“It’s cool that Xavier gets a chance to have both of its programs host substate games in the first round and in the final.”

The Saints (8-4) took control early against the Mustangs (10-8), scoring all three goals in the first half.

Deirdre Green put Xavier on the board at the 32:37 mark. Shortly after, Macie Herting drilled a shot outside the box for a score.

“A lot of times, it’s about checking your shoulder and making sure there’s no one behind you and knowing where you’re going to go with it,” Macie Herting said.

Macie Herting then placed a corner kick perfectly to Reese Komenda who lined up a header late in the first.

“I know Reese heads the ball all the time, so she’s our best scorer like that,” Macie Herting said. “I knew if I could put it on her, she’d probably put it in the goal.”

Xavier will host Marion (10-6) in a regional final Thursday at 7 p.m.

“This is a pretty strong class of seniors and I just want to thank them for all they’ve given so far,” Johnson said. “One more trip to state for them would be awesome.”

Xavier boys continue shutout theme

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The Xavier boys (10-5) qualified for their second consecutive state tournament appearance and 21st in program history with their win over the Demons (11-4).

“North Scott was a really good team to be in the fourth seed in bracket play … and Washington had a really good season,” Xavier Coach Sho Takaoka said. “I’m really happy that we took care of business here so we can get back to Des Moines.”

Wyatt Herting’s first goal came on a header following a pretty Will Dybvig pass midway through the first half.

“Wyatt has been with us for four years on the varsity team,” Takaoka said. “His freshman year we won state, and he was the only freshman on the team. He’s come a long way since then.”

Anthony Trotta was next to record a goal on an assist from Thomas Cavin late in the opening period.

The second half was quiet until Wyatt Herting scored on a putback of a blocked penalty kick with 10:38 left.

Wyatt Herting made it a hat trick late on an assist from Eddie Paye-Urey.

“I’ve never gotten one before,” Wyatt Herting said. “It was special, especially tonight.”

Xavier will face No. 9 Cedar Rapids Washington in a state quarterfinal next Wednesday at Cownie Soccer Complex in Des Moines at 10:20 a.m.

“We have to keep the motivation going,” Wyatt Herting said. “As a team captain, I have to keep everyone in check and make sure we’re all focused on one game at a time.”