Not even Mother Nature could knock the Xavier boys soccer team off its game in Saturday’s Class 2A substate final.

“Our goal every game was to come out and get the early goal, because that  really boosts our confidence,” senior co-captain Eli Smith said after Xavier’s 5-0 home win over Clear Creek-Amana.

Playing on a sodden pitch under a steady rain that intensified in the second half, Xavier got that goal in just the third minute as co-captain Isaac Frisch converted on Smith’s assist.

“The key for a substate game is to score early,” Coach Amir Hadzic said after the match. “Not only to give yourself the goal, but they have to change their game.”

No.2 in the Iowa High School Soccer Coaches Association’s final season poll, Xavier kept No.11 CCA on its back foot the entire match. Also contributing goals were Connor Ramlo, Collin Gunn, Luke Koechner, and Smith, who had his second assist on Gunn’s goal.

Meanwhile, senior keeper Paul Cavin held CCA scoreless, leaving the match in its 71st minute.

“For our guys, definitely it means a lot to have him behind them,” said Hadzic, noting all 11 of Xavier’s victories have been shutouts.

Hadzic said he told his players to keep the passes low, given the miserable conditions.

“I knew (CCA) would come ready to play, and be physical,” he said. “But we knew we have the deeper team. Their schedule is probably a little bit easier, in terms of playing smaller schools and a slower game.”

Hadzic said he expected his team to land the state tournament’s top seed and they did. The Saints (11-5) will play Mississippi Valley Conference Dubuque Wahlert (7-9) in first-round match Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at Cownie Soccer Park in Des Moines.

Wahlert is seeded No.8, but is the defending Class 2A champion. Xavier was beaten by the Golden Eagles, 2-1, May 11 at Dubuque.

Xavier won the state title in 2011.

“Our ultimate goal is to go all the way,” Hadzic said.