Roundup: Xavier, Linn-Mar move on to state

Defending Class 2A state champion Cedar Rapids Xavier edged Dubuque Wahlert, 1-0, and will again be headed to this year's boys' state soccer tournament.

A goal by senior Jerry Duball gave the Saints (9-9-0) the only goal they needed to chase their fourth state championship in five years.

A key position change came when head coach Amir Hadzic placed Duball into the offense. During the game, starters Jeremy Jacoby and Mason Hoxie were injured, leaving a void for Duball to fill.

'We put Jerry in that role because he has composure and control with the ball,” Hadzic said.

It wasn't the first time the Saints (9-9-0) had squared off against the Golden Eagle (4-14-0). The Saints won the regular season matchup, 6-0.

Hadzic knew Saturday's game wasn't going to be easy.

'We beat them 6-0 in the regular season and I knew they wanted to avenge their loss,” Hadzic said. 'But we kept the ball on their side of the field.”

The Saints claimed the No. 8 seed and will face No. 1 seed Sioux City Heelan on Thursday.

Linn-Mar wins in OT

Linn-Mar needed extra time to get their chance to play in the Class 3A state tournament, defeating Bettendorf, 1-0, at home.

The Lions' (17-3-0) victory came off the foot of Lerroy Enzugusi, who finally got the look he need.

Coach Corey Brinkmeyer said his team had plenty of opportunities in regulation, but failed to convert. Enzugusi's goal, he said, just struck by the keeper, which ultimately sent the Lions to the state tournament.

'Coming in, after coaching for 14 years, I knew their tradition,” Brinkmeyer said. 'It was extra special to beat a team which is consistently in the state tournament, year after year.”

Linn-Mar earned the No. 5 seed and will play against No. 4 seed Iowa City High on Thursday.

others

Other area qualifiers include Clear Creek Amana, which defeated Fairfield, 2-0.

CCA (12-4-0) will play as the No. 7 seed in the Class 2A state bracket, playing No. 2 seed Perry.

In Class 1A, Dyersville Beckman nabbed the overall No. 1 seed in the state tournament after besting Postville in a double overtime, penalty kick win. The Blazers will play No. 8 seed Columbus Junction.

Also advancing to the 1A state tournament was Mid-Prairie after beating Albia, 5-1. Mid-Prairie is the No. 4 seed and will take on No. 5 seed Oakland Riverside.