Two down, two to go

The soccer season comes to a close with the final two state title games at Independence Stadium today.

It's not looking good so far for the teams - Dominican vs. Lafayette in the Division I girls final and Jesuit vs. St. Paul in the Division I boys final. The wind is fierce and the rain is cold. I'm definitely glad I'll be in the press box for this one.

Friday's action had two fantastic soccer games, probably the two best I've seen this year.

Newman beat Sacred Heart in the Division III girls final (1-0) while St. Louis beat Teurlings Catholic by the same score in the Division III boys final. It's impossible not to feel sympathetic to Sacred Heart and Teurlings Catholic.

The finals were rematches of last year's final games with the same result. Teurlings Catholic were absolutely devastated following the loss. They had a difficult time leaving the field and struggled to pick up their runner-up trophy. Many just lay on the field with their jerseys pulled up over their heads.

Local teams should heed the advice of Byrd girls coach Lisa Levermann and get out to the stadium to see the games. If they want to see what it will take to win a state championship, there's no better opportunity than now.