Covington Catholic’s quest for a state championship in boys’ soccer concluded with a 2-0 defeat against St. Xavier on March 23, 2024. The match took place at Lexington SC Stadium, marking the inaugural KHSAA boys’ soccer title decided at this venue. Despite a spirited effort, the Colonels fell short, with the Tigers showcasing superior possession and scoring opportunities throughout the match.
St. Xavier seized control early, scoring just 10 minutes into the game. Brady Youssefizad capitalized on a rebound, giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead. Covington Catholic’s coach, Jeremy Robertson, expressed disappointment at the early setback. “We’re always worried about our first 10 minutes,” he stated, reflecting on the team’s strategy to withstand initial pressure.
The Colonels demonstrated resilience, with goalkeeper Booker Gifford making six crucial saves, several of which were impressive. Despite St. Xavier’s dominance, Covington Catholic remained within striking distance until the closing minutes. As the game progressed, Trey White sealed the victory for St. Xavier with a second goal, solidifying their control of the match.
“Our coverage was a bit late at times, which gave them space on the field,” Robertson noted, acknowledging the tactical challenges his team faced. The loss concluded Covington Catholic’s season with an 18-8-2 record, marking their fourth appearance in a state final since their championship win in 2015.
The team’s remarkable journey to the finals was unexpected, especially after graduating 14 seniors from the previous year, including several key players. Few anticipated that this year’s squad would make it to the state stage. “These guys had a lot of grit,” Robertson said, praising the team’s hard work and determination throughout the season.
Next season poses a challenge with eight seniors leaving, including All-State selection Tanner Robertson and leading scorer Cole Bishop. However, Gifford and other key contributors will return, providing a solid foundation for future success. Robertson expressed confidence in the emerging talent within the program, stating, “We’ll be back; we’ve got some talent coming through the pipeline.”
St. Xavier’s victory not only secured the championship but also highlighted their defensive prowess throughout the tournament. The Tigers did not concede a single goal in any of their four state tournament matches, outscoring opponents 8-0. Tigers coach Andy Schulten remarked on the importance of building a strong rotation of players for the tournament, despite earlier season challenges.
In summary, while Covington Catholic’s season ended without the desired trophy, the Colonels’ performance demonstrated resilience and potential for the future. As they look ahead, the team aims to build on this year’s accomplishments and return to the state finals in the coming seasons.
