WATERTOWN — No. 1 Boston International defeated No. 4 Brighton, 3–2, in a hard-fought semifinal of the MIAA Division 5 boys soccer state tournament on Monday evening.
The Lions (20-1-12) entered the match coming off a dominant 6–1 win over Pioneer Charter of Science in the quarterfinals. Brighton (11-7-4) advanced after a 3–2 victory over Rockport.
Brighton opened the scoring in the 22nd 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 20 minutes to keep the Bengals in front.
Boston International found its equalizer just two minutes into the second half. Silverto Bracero connected on a header to tie the match at 1–1.
“No matter what the scoreboard says, we’re going to stay chill,” Bracero said. “We’re always playing to win.”
Brighton responded 10 minutes later when Daniel Garcia slipped a shot inside the post to put the Bengals ahead 2–1. But the Lions surged back. With 25 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 62nd minute, when Jerry Registe tapped in a loose ball at the back post to make it 3–2.
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 team’s resilience.
“Playing a team for the fourth time is never easy,” Varela said. “Brighton came in with rhythm and ready to fight. We knew it would be challenging, but we kept pushing and believed we’d find a way.
“Everyone needs to bring 100 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 5 state final, while Brighton’s season comes to an end at 11-7-4.
Scores
BOYS SOCCER
DIVISION 1
SEMIFINALS – Tuesday
Natick vs. Newton South, 7p
DIVISION 2
SEMIFINALS – Tuesday
West Springfield 1, Northampton 0
DIVISION 5
SEMIFINALS – Tuesday
Boston Int. 3, Brighton 2
GIRLS SOCCER
DIV. 1
SEMIFINALS – Tuesday
Natick 5, Belmont 0
Franklin vs. Concord-Carlisle, 7p
DIVISION 4
SEMIFINALS – Tuesday
Littleton 3, Southwick 1
DIVISION 5
SEMIFINALS – Tuesday
Hopedale vs Hull, 6:30p
