MIDLAND – The Burges High School boys soccer team earned a trip to the Class 5A, Division 2 Final Four in the Texas UIL playoffs in dramatic fashion.
Junior Christian Quintana scored a goal with 14 seconds left in the second 10-minute overtime period to give the Mustangs a 1-0 win vs. Fort Worth’s O.D. Wyatt at Astound Broadband Stadium.
Quintana’s teammate, Erick Castro-Nunez, helped set up the winning goal with a solid free kick from 39 yards away from the goal, and the ball bounced around to Quintana, who kicked the ball in the box with his left foot into the upper left corner of the net past Wyatt’s goalkeeper, Pascual Ramirez.
Burges improved to 19-5 and claimed the regional title in the process. The Mustangs will play in the Final Four on Thursday, April 2, Friday, April 3 or Saturday, April 4.
Two years ago, Burges lost to Midlothian in the regional finals.
Burges and O.D Wyatt goalkeepers played at high level
Burges goalkeeper Obed Ramirez and Wyatt’s Ramirez were at their very best on Tuesday. Both made outstanding saves throughout the game and kept their respective teams alive for the win.
Burges defense has been dominant in playoffs
The Mustangs have not allowed a goal in four playoff wins, while scoring five goals. In addition to their win vs. O.D. Wyatt on Tuesday, the Mustangs defeated Del Valle, Wichita Falls Memorial and Trimble Tech.
What Burges boys soccer coach Daniel Murillo said
“The kids have worked so hard for this regional title,” said Murillo, who is in his first season as head coach. “They hung tough and made some big plays. We always work hard on our set pieces and it paid off. To get to the Final Four means so much to these kids and our program.”
What Burges soccer players Christian Quintana and Erick Castro-Nunez said
“I’m very grateful for this team,” Castro-Nunez said. “A lot of us had been in same spot before and it made us want this regional title that much more.”
Added Quintana: “It feels great to win. Two years ago, we were in the Elite Eight, so to overcome this challenge feels amazing. We executed well on that winning goal. Everyone has worked so hard this season.”
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Burges High School boys soccer wins regional title in OT thriller
Reporting by Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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