The Hopedale Blue Raiders reached the Division 5 final after a strong playoff run but were shut out 2-0 by top-seeded Boston International in the championship match Saturday. Hopedale had come into the final after outscoring opponents 12-5 in the postseason and beating No. 6 Keefe Tech in the semifinals.
The final was competitive early. Hopedale’s Gui Cardoso nearly opened the scoring around the 20-minute mark, only to see his strike rebound off the crossbar. Boston International drew first blood before halftime when Sylberto Brevil connected on a beautiful strike to give the Lions the lead.
Hopedale chased the equalizer in the second half and generated several quality looks, but the Blue Raiders could not find the finishing touch. Boston International sealed the result late with a powerful insurance goal by Heinrich Saint, a strike that effectively secured the Lions their first Division 5 championship in program history.
While the final result was a disappointment for Hopedale, the Blue Raiders can take pride in what they accomplished this season, a first-ever trip to a state final and a string of playoff performances that showed the program’s rise. The seniors and coaches should regard this run as a strong foundation to build on.
