The defending 3A and 2A boys soccer state champions faced off Tuesday.

The stakes weren't quite as high as a state championship, but a Mississippi Valley Conference Valley Division title was on the line when Iowa City West visited Xavier.

Xavier (12-2-1, 11-2 MVC) came into the game with a one-game lead on Iowa City West (13-4, 11-2 MVC) and the Saints looked to have the upper hand coming down the stretch. But a goal in the 75th minute sunk the Saints and lifted Iowa City West to a 1-0 victory and into a share of the division title.

The goal came less than a minute after Iowa City West forward Alex Troester got his second yellow card, forcing the Trojans to play a man down.

With the Saints attacking off of a free kick, the ball found its way to the feet of Xavier senior Michael Tessmer with the Trojan keeper out of position. Tessmer turned and fired at the goal, but an Iowa City West defender blocked it at the goal line.

That play would have been disappointing on its own, but the Trojans got control of the ball and got off to a quick counter attack, getting the ball to Paris Martins who made a run from about 50 yards out. Martins beat his defender and the keeper for the goal.

“That is why soccer is the cruelest sport in the world,” Xavier Coach Amir Hadzic said. “You miss a 100 percent chance wide open goal, the next thing you know, 10 seconds later, the other team scores. It’s not like in basketball where you can do it back and forth, it is kind of a dagger.”

Despite the tough loss, Hadzic said he was proud of how his team played against what he called one of the hottest teams in the state. The win was West's ninth straight.

Hadzic said he is confident the Saints will bounce back strong in the postseason.

“I don’t think this will derail us, we know what our goal is,” Hadzic said. “These kids are resilient and they really like to compete. I don’t see a reason why this unfortunate loss would affect us in the post season.”

It was also senior night for the Saints, who will graduate 12 players. Hadzic said he is very proud of this year’s group of seniors.

“Last year we had three all-staters that left and everybody doubted what we could do as a team this season,” Hadzic said. “They just kind of stepped up in a leadership position and carried this team to a conference title which for our school is always kind of a goal, but it is difficult to accomplish because there are so many good teams.”

Xavier is looking forward to getting back sophomore forward Isaac Frisch, who scored two goals in last season's championship game. Frisch has been injured much of this season, but Hadzic said he is starting to work out and could be ready in time for the Saints' substate semifinal matchup against either DeWitt Central or Anamosa on May 25 at Xavier.

Iowa City West 1, Xavier 0
Goals -- Iowa City West: Paris Martins (75th min)