Boston International advances to Div. 5 Final with win over Brighton

WATERTOWN No Boston International defeated No Brighton in a hard-fought semifinal of the MIAA Division boys soccer state tournament on Monday evening The Lions - - entered the match coming off a dominant win over Pioneer Charter of Science in the quarterfinals Brighton - - advanced after a preeminence over Rockport Brighton opened the scoring in the nd minute when Haciel Armando Zelaya Mejia rose for a header off a corner kick Despite falling behind Boston International controlled possession early firing repeated shots at Brighton goalkeeper Reece Meyer who delivered several spectacular saves in the opening minutes to keep the Bengals in front Boston International ascertained its equalizer just two minutes into the second half Silverto Bracero connected on a header to tie the match at No matter what the scoreboard says we re going to stay chill Bracero noted We re constantly playing to win Brighton responded minutes later when Daniel Garcia slipped a shot inside the post to put the Bengals ahead But the Lions surged back With minutes remaining Rubens Pierre powered in a header to even the match again Boston International then took its first lead of the night in the nd minute when Jerry Registe tapped in a loose ball at the back post to make it Brighton threatened late including a dangerous free kick with eight minutes to play but the attempt drifted wide as the Lions held on Head coach Edmar Varela praised his group s resilience Playing a crew for the fourth time is never easy Varela revealed Brighton came in with rhythm and ready to fight We knew it would be challenging but we kept pushing and presumed we d find a way Everyone requirements to bring percent for the final goalkeeper defenders coaches staff We planned to be here from the start of the season I reminded them of that lit a little fire and we went for goals And we got them Boston International now advances to the Division state final while Brighton s season comes to an end at - - Scores BOYS SOCCER DIVISION SEMIFINALS Tuesday Natick vs Newton South p DIVISION SEMIFINALS Tuesday West Springfield Northampton DIVISION SEMIFINALS Tuesday Boston Int Brighton GIRLS SOCCER DIV SEMIFINALS Tuesday Natick Belmont Franklin vs Concord-Carlisle p DIVISION SEMIFINALS Tuesday Littleton Southwick DIVISION SEMIFINALS Tuesday Hopedale vs Hull p