By Dave Brousseau - BCAA Writer
PEMBROKE PINES – One goal proved to be enough for the Pembroke Pines Charter boys’ soccer team.
Junior defender Diego Medina-Pagan scored his second goal of the season from the shortest distance possible, nudging the loose ball just with inches grom the goal line.
The goal was all the Jaguars needed to in defeating Varela 3-0 in a Class 5A Regional Final at home on Wednesday.
“We were sluggish at the beginning and my goal helped changed the game,” said Medina-Pagan. “Once we scored, we put on more pressure. The last time we lost in the state semifinals, but now we have more chemistry and have more fun on the field.”
The victory extends the season to a state semifinal match on Feb. 19 at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale against an opponent to be decided.
The result extended the Jaguars (18-0-2) winning streak to 17 games, while recording their 14th shutout of the season. In the three regional games Pines Charter outscored their opponents 15-0.
“We’re very excited and have a phenomenal season so far,” said Pines Charter coach Marc Lue Young. “The boys have improved game by game. We have the mindset to go forward, and we’ve done very well with that.”
“I’m very excited to get back to the state semis and hopefully we can bring the trophy back home to Pembroke Pines, he added.”
In 20 games played to date the Jaguars have outscored their opponents 78-8. And over the last five seasons, including the 2024-25 campaign, they have a combined record of 71-15-5.
Junior keeper Mateo Valencia was credited for recording his 14th blank sheet of the season.
Pines Charter reached the 2024 Class 5A state semifinals, losing to Panama City Beach Arnold by penalty kicks 4-2. They lost to American Heritage in penalty kicks in the regional finals in 2023.
Junior midfielder Gabriel Calderon blasted a right-footed shot from just outside the box in the 63rd minute for the 3-0 advantage to secure any thoughts of a Varela (9-7-2) comeback bid.
The Vipers had allowed only a single goal prior to Wednesday’s loss.
“We knew what we were facing, probably one of the best teams we have faced,” said Varela coach Juan Monge. “We had some players injured, but no regrets. We had a great season.”
Sophomore midfielder Aiden Toledo scored his first goal of the season as he collected a freekick near the far post kicking past Varela keeper Maximilian Rojas in the 47th minute for a 2-0 lead.
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