Finally healthy, Birmingham boys soccer beats Chavez 3-0 in LA City Section Division 1 semifinal

The Birmingham boys soccer team is finally healthy and even though it's so late in the year, the Patriots are still getting "better and better," according to head coach EB Madha. 

After going through what Madha referred to as "heartaches" this season because multiple impact players missed games with injuries, Birmingham had a full squad on Wednesday and dominated in their Division 1 semifinal against Chavez winning 3-0. 

The Patriots won the Division 1 LA City Section crown last season and now they'll get the opportunity defend their title on Saturday against South East. 

"Having the chance to go back to back feels great," Madha said.

Senior Cal State Northridge signee Enrique "Kiké" Pineda opened the scoring early in the first half for Birmingham with a neat close range finish with his right foot. Wednesday's game was only the second contest Pineda has played in since returning from a three month long injury spell. Senior winger David Diaz, another Cal State Northridge signee, scored the Patriots' second goal midway through the first half from the penalty spot.

"Kiké's presence gives David so much more freedom because Kiké's such a prolific player," Madha said. "Having those two back and then the addition of Tony Macedo, who we didn't have last year, makes us pretty lethal going forward."

Carlos Ruano scored Birmingham's third goal with his head off of a rebound from a Pineda shot. 

"Attacking wise, [Kiké, David and Tony] give us a lot of firepower," Madha said.