HURON — After using a pair of goals late in the second half to even the score, the top-seeded Huron boys’ soccer team couldn’t muster another comeback against the No. 16-seeded Brandon Valley in the opening round of the Class AA playoffs on Tuesday at Tiger Stadium.

A goal on a penalty kick during the 78th minute secured the 3-2 upset for the Lynx.

“These boys had a great season, despite what happened tonight. They were able to be ESD champions for the first time in school history and ranked number one all season,” Huron coach Leah Branaugh said. “It is something to be proud of and we had a great regular season. We can’t hang our heads over one game.”

The Tigers edged Brandon Valley 3-2 during the season opener en route to a 9-1-3 record. However, they weren’t able to get off to a quick start they had wanted in the postseason matchup.

“We allowed Brandon Valley to control the first half of the game and we were not in sync,” Branaugh said. “We were able to regroup in the second half and control more of the balls. We made quite a few mistakes along the way and missed some open shots and it cost us today.”

A long shot, which bounced over Huron goalkeeper Alex Bautista Rosales’ outstretched arm and into the net put Brandon Valley on the board during the 26th minute of the opening half.

The Lynx added to their lead during the 38th minute on a free kick, which found its way into the net.

After Brandon Valley carried a 2-0 lead into the second half, the game stayed scoreless until Huron used a penalty kick by Moo Gay to slice its deficit in half.

Abner Garcia Garcia would score on an unassisted shot in the 76th minute to pull the Tigers even.

Bautista Rosales recorded nine saves in the match for the Tigers.

The Huron goalkeeper is one of six seniors on the roster this season.

“We are thankful for all the seniors have done for us and for our program,” Branaugh said. “They have pushed this team to get great. We have a great group returning next year and will have to fill some gaps lost to graduation.”

Brandon Valley, which improved to 3-11-1, advances to face the winner between eighth-seeded Spearfish and ninth-seeded Yankton in the quarterfinals on Saturday.