Birmingham's Boys Soccer Team Advances To City Section Open Division Final

In 1 of nan strangest weeks successful City Section shot history, six-time champion Birmingham High, which was eliminated successful nan first information of nan playoffs 2 weeks ago, defeated Venice 6-0 connected Thursday to gain a spot against rival El Camino Real successful Saturday’s 6 p.m. Open Division boys’ final.

The Patriots sewage a 2nd chance to avenge their earlier nonaccomplishment to Marquez via punishment kicks erstwhile semifinalists Marquez and South East were removed from nan playoffs for utilizing an ineligible player. The City Section decided to person first-round losers Birmingham and Venice play for nan correct to look El Camino Real.

Five City Section teams successful nan playoffs person had to forfeit games because players participated successful extracurricular leagues during their precocious schoolhouse play successful usurpation of CIF bylaw 600.

“It’s been a crazy week,” Birmingham goalie Alexis Villagran said. “We’re blessed for nan opportunity.”

Birmingham coach Gus Villalobos was preparing to return backmost his players’ uniforms this week to extremity nan season. Now they are 1 triumph distant from a City title. Players look tired astatine times because they hadn’t practiced since their nonaccomplishment connected Feb. 6. Villagran was allowed to play moreover though he took portion successful a nine lucifer aft he thought nan play ended. The authorities CIF approved nan waiver.

Robert Mejia, who scored 2 goals connected punishment kicks and has 26 goals this season, is successful his first twelvemonth playing for Birmingham aft being a personnel of nan L.A. Galaxy younker academy program. He said some his nine coach and precocious schoolhouse coach made it clear you can’t play nine during nan precocious schoolhouse season.

“We each cognize nan rules,” he said.

The continual usurpation of CIF bylaw 600 has near City Section commissioner Vicky Lagos scrambling to switch teams. The latest squad to observe a usurpation was Gardena successful Division III, allowing Sun Valley Magnet to beforehand to nan final. Lagos besides received accusation astir City Division II finalist Garfield, but arsenic of Thursday night, she said nan Bulldogs person been cleared to play Santee successful nan final.

After a scoreless first half, Birmingham sophomore Hayden Quiambao started a six-goal surge pinch a header to unfastened nan 2nd half.