O’Bryant girls’ soccer coach Grace Burns was greeted with a birthday celebration, complete with cake and presents, but she was more interested in celebrating her team’s Boston City League title.
The Tigers had just defeated Latin Academy, 1-0, the four-time reigning league champions, on Saturday at Madison Park Field.
“We’re just really proud we were able to complete our goal because we lost last year,” said Burns. “Some of [our players] won the league in seventh grade, so this is their first time getting back to that moment.”
Early on, Latin Academy had a plethora of corner kicks, but struggled to produce a prime scoring chance.
After halftime, O’Bryant came out focused and precise. In the 45th minute, senior Camila Restrepo won possession in Latin Academy’s box and delivered a strike for the game’s only goal.
Senior Cordelia Cornish rushed in toward the box, causing enough confusion to allow the score.
“My goal was for [Cornish] to pressure the ball, and she went out there and just ran through it,” said Burns, “That pressure forced their mistakes and we were able to attack there.”
O’Bryant had to pass one final test in the last 10 minutes of play, as Latin Academy’s attack turned relentless. The Tigers’ all-senior back four was able to hold on.
“I’m super proud of them,” said Burns. “That’s something we worked on as a team, not letting our emotions get the best of us.”
Sitting at No. 31 in the Division 4 MIAA power rankings as of Friday, O’Bryant looks to keep momentum going into the state tournament, which starts Friday.
Alex Yu can be reached at alex.yu@globe.com.