The Cinderella story continues for the 31st-seeded North boys’ soccer team, which battled through double overtime and triumphed in penalty kicks to defeat Xaverian 4-2 in the MIAA Division 1 semifinals Tuesday, Nov. 19. The dramatic win at Woburn High School secured North a spot in the state final, capping another improbable chapter in their underdog run.
Goalie Gabino Talisayon emerged as the hero of the game, delivering two crucial penalty saves to bring his playoff total to seven. Throughout the game, Talisayon also made several key stops, including two fearless dives into onrushing attackers.
“He’s really something,” said head coach Roy Dow. “He has become a well-rounded player I can really rely on even after he came back from an injury.”
The semifinal was a battle from start to finish. After a scoreless first half, Xaverian broke through early in the second, slipping past North’s defenders to walk the ball into the net after a charge from Talisayon.
Fueled by a spirited student section that stayed loud and energetic from start to finish, the Tigers refused to let Xaverian’s goal dampen their momentum. Soon enough, senior Juan Ceballos leveled the game with a brilliant chip into the top left corner. Intercepting a goal kick, he left Xaverian’s goalie helpless, bringing the score to 1-1.
North showcased outstanding teamwork and ball control for the remainder of the second half, maintaining possession with sharp, precise passes. However, Xaverian countered with speed and aggressive play.
“This team has learned to play together,” said Dow. “This is easily the best I have seen them play.”
When neither team managed to break the deadlock, the match extended into overtime, then a second overtime, and ultimately, penalty kicks.
The Tigers showcased composure in the penalty shootout, converting all four of their spot kicks. Seniors Santi Cuervo, Seth Rao, and Ross Toma found the back of the net, while sophomore Lorenzo Grimaldi sealed the victory with the decisive fourth penalty before celebrating with captains Cuervo and Toma.
“The crowd and everything made me a bit nervous at first,” said Grimaldi. “But I know this team is really special, and we can beat anyone.”
“We’ve got momentum now,” added Toma. “We won’t stop winning until we get that chip.”
The Tigers will face Saint Johns of Shrewsbury Saturday, Nov. 23 in the state finals at Worcester State University. With one final game standing between them and the championship, the team has a chance to prove that even the 31st seed can win it all.
