‘This is history.’ Boston International champions Division 5, becoming first City team to win boys’ soccer title

MILTON — After 60 minutes of not allowing a single shot on target, Boston International suddenly needed to stop a penalty kick to retain its lead.

Leading 1-0, a Lions turnover in the midfield allowed Hopedale to counter. Junior midfielder Luke Carneiro quickly found classmate Guilherme Cardoso, who was dragged down in the box.

Cardoso stepped up to take the penalty. But it was sophomore goalkeeper Jeffrey Louis who provided the highlight, diving to his right and saving Cardoso’s bid.

“The whole team had a lot of faith,” said Boston International coach Edmar Varela. “And he did it, so that was huge.”

Boston International goalie Jeffrey Louis denied a penalty kid in the 60th minute, preserving the Lions' 1-0 lead at Doyle Field. — Boston International goalie Jeffrey Louis denied a penalty kid in the 60th minute, preserving the Lions’ 1-0 lead at Doyle Field. Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff

leading-seeded Boston International kept No. 2 Hopedale off the scoresheet, and added on 12 minutes later, to capture the Division 5 boys’ soccer state final, 2-0, Saturday at Curry College.

“I don’t think any other team deserved it more than we did,” said Varela.

The Lions (20-1-2) became the first Boston City League team to win a boys’ soccer state championship.

“This is history,” Varela said. “This is for them. This is for their families, school communities. This is for Boston.”

Boston International dominated the opening half, but the Blue Raiders (11-7-5) defended well.

Junior midfielder Sylberto Brevil finally broke the deadlock a minute before halftime, looping a masterful kick over the head of junior goalkeeper Nathan Rutkowski and into the bottom right corner from 15 yards out.

“These guys, you can never be surprised at what they do,” said Varela. “It was an incredible shot.”

39’: Boston International 1, Hopedale 0

After dominating for most of the half, Boston International finally breaks through a minute before halftime. Junior Sylberto Brevil with an overhead kick to put the Lions in front. @GlobeSchools pic.twitter.com/LxQsur3krE

— Henry Dinh-cost (@henrydinhprice) November 22, 2025

Sophomore forward Henrich Saint added the insurance tally in the 73rd minute, running onto a pass from Arriola and sending his shot over the head of Rutkowski, who had come off his line.

“I was so excited making that goal,” said Saint. “That was the goal of winning.”

The Lions cruised from there, closing out a performance in which they owned a 14-2 edge in shots on goal.

“They cannot score any goals, because we motivate,” said junior captain centerback Steevenson Chanson. “We said, ‘We’re going to leave something for the school.’”

After a semifinal loss in 2023 and an elimination after the quarterfinal round due to self-reporting the use of an ineligible player in 2024, Boston International finally broke through.

“We worked super hard on our goals,” said Varela. “We were confident eventually we would win this.”