Vargas delivers for Latin Academy
Latin Academy 1 East Boston 0
Saturday’s celebration was a long time coming for the Latin Academy boys’ soccer team — 27 years to be exact.
Seniors Fabrizio Zuluaga Duran and Robe Levenson stood at midfield with their arms wrapped around one another. Yannik Dzialas fell to the turf and put his hands on his head. Parents, alumni, and students chanted “BLA” in unison. And cohead coaches Dan Hackett and Pat Mudie hugged on the sideline in an emotional embrace.
For the first time since 1995, Latin Academy won the Boston City League title in boys’ soccer with a 1-0 win over East Boston Saturday morning at Madison Park, the lone goal coming off the foot of senior Fernando Vargas midway through the first half.
“I think the emotion of euphoria we feel right now makes our team realize it’s all worth it,” said Hackett.
Added Mudie, “It’s been a process of growth over the last four to five years and our experience today paid off.”
In search of the elusive City League title, BLA (13-4-1) faced heartbreak with losses in the last two championship games. The Dragons started 100-1 but hit a speed bump with four losses in five games to end the regular season.
“I think it was good for us and allowed us to realize we aren’t invincible,” said Mudie.
After defeating Madison Park, 1-0, in the semifinals Thursday, Latin Academy faced more adversity Saturday. East Boston (11-7) controlled the opening 20 minutes, putting eight shots on net compared with one for the Dragons.
After a timeout to regroup, striker Barra Ryan crossed the ball with his left foot on a breakaway. The pass went by the dive of the Eastie keeper and Vargas was there to control the pass and deposit a shot into a wide-open net.
“I was anxious all last night, but I had a feeling there would be an opportunity for me to change the game,” said Vargas, who was named tournament MVP. “It was a feeling of relief.”