Xavier Prep again on top in 6A soccer

March 20, 2021 by Les Willsey, AZPreps365


Xavier Prep hoists the 6A soccer title trophy after beating Chaparral in the championship match. (AzPreps365 photo)

#5 Xavier Prep didn't wait 100 minutes to score in Friday's 6A championship match like it did two days ago in the dramatic semifinal win over #1 Perry.

Not even close. The Gators took just six minutes to tally and added an insurance goal in the final minute to unseat defending champion and #3 Chaparral 2-0, at Campo Verde High School. The championship was Xavier's 11th in school history, sixth with current coach Barb Chura at the helm. Every title won with Chura has been via shutout (2009, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2018 and 2021).

Xavier (10-2-1) regained conference supremacy for the first time since 2018 with defense its calling card. After beginning the COVID-19 delayed season 2-2, it finished 8-0-1. The Gators surrendered two goals in that span (one in four postseason victories). Chaparral (12-3) saw a superb run of titles end at four (5A titles in 2017 and 2018 and 6A crowns in 2019 and 2020).

"Our defense has been outstanding, I'd say stellar in all the games," Xavier coach Bard Chura said. "From defending our goal to our forward line, we've gotten better every game."

Xavier's goal in the sixth minute was well executed as the Gators came out strong on the attack. It came off a throw-in gathered in by forward Eva Allen who worked to the corner for a cross. Megan McGinty received it, but was too wide of the near post for her to take a shot. McGinty passed inside the box where Hennessey Perez was able to flick it over the head of Chaparral keeper Avery Fletcher from about 10 yards out.

Chaparral had chances to tie, several in fact in the second half. In the 51st minute Maci Mangini blasted an attempt from 25 yards out that caromed off the football crossbar. Four minutes late rleading scorer Sami Fisher failed to connect from 5 yards beyond the goal mouth.

A corner delivered by Lauren Carlson in the 64th minute was headed by Natalie Manzo that hit the crossbar and then nabbed in the air by keeper Jaden Campbell and on the way down. Chaparral's final chance in the 73rd minute was off another corner, but Lainey Gomez's shot didn't have much steam and was corraled by Campbell.

Xavier took pressure off in the final minute when Allen punched home her team-leading ninth goal from point-blank range off a flick assist from Talia Coury.

"We battled," Chaparral coach Robyn Carlson said. "We had a lot of chances, but couldn't put one in the back of the net. It wasn't for a lack of effort. Proud of our girls and how hard they played."