BOSTON – After surviving a near comeback from a tough East Boston squad, Boston International is the Boston City League boys soccer champion for the second straight season.
The Lions came away with a resilient 1-0 victory at Madison Park/O’Bryant Saturday morning over the Jets.
“It feels amazing,” said Boston International coach Edmar Varela about winning back-to-back BCL boys titles. “We have some of the most resilient kids in the city. … We had a goal. We set goals and it’s nice to see all of our goals happening.”
After an evenly matched first 20 minutes, Boston International put pressure on East Boston and got a free kick in their offensive end.
Junior Xavier Arriola’s attempt was deflected wide, but junior and Outstanding Player of the Match Ketznaire Desrivieres cleaned it up with a shot that was helped in with the right-side post to put Boston International (15-0-2) up 1-0 in the 24th minute.
Both teams had a couple of chances on goal up until the halftime whistle as well as a yellow card for each team.
In the second half, Boston International survived an onslaught of chances for East Boston (11-3-3), including a couple of shots off the mark in the first few minutes of the second half.
“We are big on mental toughness,” Varela said about withstanding the Jets’ pressure. “I try to preach that to my players (from) the beginning, so they’re well-trained.”
Sophomore Jeffrey Louis also came up with a some timely saves in the final minutes for the Lions as he finished with six saves on the day.
“(Louis) is very solid (in net),” said Varela about the sophomore who now has nine shutouts in a row. “With the shots from close range, he’s able to stay calm and hold the ball. He has good vision, so he’s been doing amazing.”
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