Middleton, Fla. – The Villages High School boys soccer team rallied for a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Belleview Rattlers on senior night, capping off a dramatic comeback win.

The game honored six Buffalo seniors at halftime including Sebastian Florian, Allister Clarke, Paul Ard, Chase Bridges, Jaxon Lavaich, and Jeremy Tapia. 

After an exciting opening 30 minutes, Belleview would strike first with 10 minutes left in the opening half. Johnathan Demas rose for a header off the foot of Izjek Castillo for his sixth goal of the season, giving the Rattlers a 1-0 lead.

The Buffalo responded quickly. Just three minutes later, Chase Bridges delivered a throw in to Sebastian Florian, who nodded home the equalizer for his first goal of the night, knotting the score at 1-1 heading into halftime.

The second half remained deadlocked until the 65th minute, when a costly penalty inside the box handed Belleview's Ijzek Castillo the chance to convert a penalty kick, putting the Rattlers back ahead 2-1.

The Buffalo answered almost immediately. Two minutes later, Joseph Zamudio swung in a corner kick, and Florian rose again to head home his second goal of the evening, leveling the match at 2-2.

Both teams created opportunities in the closing moments, but it was Buffalo who found the decisive goal. With just 2:30 left on the clock, Rattlers goalkeeper Breylan Eldridge couldn't secure a shot, and the ball deflected to Lorenzo Barbugli, who finished into the back of the net for the game-winning goal.

The victory pushed The Buffalo to 5-6-2 on the season and marked their third straight win, building momentum after a strong showing against Montverde Academy the previous week.

Postgame, Florian reflected on the emotional senior night

"Going into the game, high expectations, a lot of motivation," Florian said. "I was expecting a lot for myself, trying to show out in front of all the families. I'm glad to come out with two headers. And then the team played so good at the end. Lorenzo with the go ahead was just good timing. I'm Blessed," he said.

Barbugli, who shifted from center back to striker late in the game gave his thoughts. 

"Our team started kind of slow, but then everybody was talking and we started putting the effort that it takes to win the game," Barbugli said. "I feel like it was God... Coach put me at striker and I scored. All glory to God. " he said. 

Head coach Anderson DaSilva praised the team noting how they responded each time they fell behind.

"The guys responded really good, each time we got down, we responded with a goal. When Sebastian steps on that field, he is a giant for us and then Chase with his throws has been a dangerous weapon for us. We are going to recover from this tomorrow and try and close out the regular season with a win," said DaSilva. 

The Buffalo are set to close out the regular season Thursday night at 6 p.m. against Springstead at The Range.


Kyle Coppola can be reached for questions or comment via email at kyle.coppola@buffalostampeders.com.