Josiah Beck held the fate of Hopkins Academy’s boys soccer season on his boots.
The Golden Hawks junior midfield lined up a penalty kick with 2 minutes, 30 seconds left at McCann Tech on Tuesday.
The game was tied. Hopkins qualified for the postseason with a win. Any other result, and it ended there in North Adams.
Beck hit the top-right corner beyond the McCann Tech keeper’s reach, and Hopkins won 1-0 to clinch a spot in the Division 4 postseason.
“Coach and I had it arranged at the beginning of the season that I would be taking PKs. It was a lot of pressure,” Beck said. “I knew it was me and I was ready to step up for the team. The last thing I wanted to do was let the team down.”
Andrew Ciaglo drew the penalty after he was dragged down from behind in the box.
The victory improved the Golden Hawks’ record to 6-10-2, but they qualified through the Sullivan Rule by finishing 4-4 against Division 4 opponents. Under the Sullivan Rule, if a team plays more than 70 percent of its games against opponents from a larger division, it just has to win 50 percent of games against teams at its division or lower.
Erik Berg made three saves in the shutout.
Belchertown 2, Monument Mountain 1 — Nathan Schiffer (assist) and Ethan Czaporowski each scored to lead the Orioles (8-4-6). Tony Martel had two saves.
The match was tied 0-0 at the half.
“We played four different formations throughout the match. We tried to keep them on their heels,” Belchertown coach Zach Siano said. “A lot of it comes from out freshmen, Kaden (Houle) and Ethan both created a ton of chances. Without Kaden and Ethan pressuring, we would we probably in a different situation right now.”
Amherst Regional 4, Quabbin 0 — Brayan Rivas Martinez had a goal and two assists, as the Hurricanes closed the regular season with a win.
Liam Carpenter Shulman added a goal and an assist for Amherst (10-3-4). Jack Semler and Matt Firrine also found the net. Lucas Morales Fernandez and Owen Young combined to keep the clean sheet.
Agawam 7, Holyoke 1 — Adam Stevenson scored the lone goal for the Purple Knights (5-11-2). Adam Pellerin had 12 saves in net.
Smith Academy 3, Pope Francis 2 — Story Goldman, Maddie Bell and Maisie Bowler (assist) each scored to lead the Falcons (9-7-2, 6-5-1 Pioneer South). Erin Gilrain had two assists. Claire Bennett made five saves in net.
Smith Academy led 2-1 at halftime.
“It was an overall team effort,” Smith Academy coach Keith Lepine said. “It’s our last game before the tournament. Everyone wanted to come out and show our best.”
Pioneer Regional 3, Smith Vocational 1 — Megan Cone scored the lone goal for the Vikings (5-13, 5-8 Pioneer South). Nevaeh Stone had 12 saves.
All four goals were scored in the second half.