Sophomore midfielder Yamir Toto might not have had the most productive regular season, but Bremen coach Huber Saucedo has seen Toto become a different player of late.

Referring to him as someone capable of scoring in the biggest moments, Saucedo calls the new version “Playoff Yamir” — and Toto knows exactly what has motivated him to take on that persona.

“I feel more hyped,” Toto said. “I know we can accomplish more with this team. I know these games could be the last for the seniors and I don’t want that to happen.

“I want to keep going with them. No other team is as special as this. We treat each other like brothers and we play with our hearts.”

Toto made sure the Braves’ season would continue past Wednesday night. He scored the game-winner with just over 11 minutes left as Bremen rallied from a two-goal deficit to stun top-seeded Lemont for a 3-2 victory in a Class 2A Hinsdale South Sectional semifinal in Darien.

Sebastian Sanchez and Jose Cardoso also scored for fourth-seeded Bremen (13-8-2). Mario Salas added an assist and Genaro Merino made eight saves.

Bremen’s Jose Cardozo (10) and Yamir Toto (15) celebrate after a goal against Lemont during a Class 2A Hinsdale South Sectional semifinal game in Darien on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)

The Braves, in search of the program’s first sectional title since 2017, will take on seventh-seeded Hinsdale South (12-10-1) at 11 a.m. Saturday in the championship game. The Hornets beat Kennedy 1-0.

“We’re going to put Bremen back on the map,” Cardoso said.

Gabriel Zarycki and Andrew Guzy scored for Lemont (16-6-2). The loss marked the final boys game for legendary coach Rick Prangen, who is retiring after 34 seasons. Prangen, who has won 900 games between boys and girls soccer, will coach another girls season in the spring.

Toto capped the improbable comeback by ripping in a shot from 15 yards with 11:29 to go.

Lemont’s Gabriel Zarycki (8) takes a shot on goal against Bremen during a Class 2A Hinsdale South Sectional semifinal game in Darien on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)

“We got the ball in the box and flicked it to the right,” Toto said. “I saw my opportunity and I shot it. You’ve got to take those opportunities because you never know what can happen.

“Anything can happen.”

Toto scored just three times in the regular season but also came through with a huge goal in a 3-1 victory over Chicago U-High for the regional title.

“We expected a lot from him,” Saucedo said. “I think he was a little bit inconsistent during the season, but this is ‘Playoff Yamir.’ He did the same thing against U-High.

“He just runs through things, gets to where he needs to be and blasts that thing in. He was awesome. He’s just stepped up like never before.”

Bremen’s Sebastian Sanchez (7) looks to the stands after the Braves defeated Lemont in a Class 2A Hinsdale South Sectional semifinal game in Darien on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)

Lemont beat Bremen 4-0 in the regular season and the rematch seemed to be heading the same way until Sanchez’s goal with 25:39 to go cut the Braves’ deficit to 2-1.

Cardoso then came through with an eclectic equalizer, weaving through just about the entire Lemont defense before converting a shot with 18:37 left.

“I just tried to go for a goal,” Cardoso said. “I was waiting for the perfect moment to shoot and it went in. I tried to put on a show for the team to bring everybody up.

“After that goal, we felt like we were going to come back and win that game.”

Lemont’s Maximilian Plewa (20) tries to work past Bremen’s Yamir Toto (15) during a Class 2A Hinsdale South Sectional semifinal game in Darien on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)

And Cardoso was not surprised to see Toto put the Braves over the top.

“During the season, I told him to keep going and keep pushing,” Cardoso said. “Look at where he is now. He scored a huge goal and I’m grateful. He’s a special player.”

Toto got a taste of the playoffs last season, coming up to varsity for the postseason and getting a chance to play with his older brother, Herzy, who was a senior.

“I loved it,” Toto said. “It was a great feeling playing with my brother and I learned a lot.”

Now, Herzy has moved on and Yamir is certainly coming into his own.

“I feel like I was in his shadow for too long,” Yamir said. “But now I can shine for who I am.”

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/29/yamir-toto-bremen-lemont-ihsa-boys-soccer/