BOYS’ SOCCER PLAYOFF ROUNDUP

Birmingham 1, Garfield 0--Jaime Gomez scored in the 75th minute of a quarterfinal game at Birmingham.

The Patriots (19-4-3), ranked No. 1 in the region by The Times, advance to the semifinals for the first time in school history.

The game was marred by five second-half yellow cards, two major injuries, a tardy referee and consequent 35-minute delay, and the ejection of John Ortega of Birmingham for a second yellow card in the 76th minute.

“Missing three starters during the playoffs has been tough,” said Coach Jose Freire of Birmingham, who will be without Ortega in the semifinal. “I couldn’t believe it when we scored.”

Gomez, who has five goals in the last two games, scored his 16th goal of the season on a follow-up after his first shot deflected off the back of goalie Victor Angeles of Garfield.