St. Clair picked the perfect time to notch its first soccer win over a fellow Four Rivers Conference school this season.
Playing in the opening round of the Class 2 District 9 Tournament Saturday at Borgia, the fifth-seeded Bulldogs knocked off fourth-seeded Sullivan in overtime, 2-1.
Jacob Pruitt scored the game-winning goal in overtime on an assist from Spencer Crumbaugh.
“As far as I can remember, it’s only the second time we’ve advanced past the first round of districts,” said St. Clair Head Coach Ted Koenigsfeld. “Our kids were excited, especially to do it against Sullivan after losing to them twice this season.”
It was the second time in three meetings this season St. Clair and Sullivan played into overtime.
The Bulldogs lost both regular season meetings against the Eagles, but took the district contest.
St. Clair (8-16) lost in the district semifinals Monday to top-seeded Borgia, 10-0.
Borgia and third-seeded Union played Tuesday night in the district title contest.
The Bulldogs’ game against Sullivan was scoreless at halftime.
The Eagles (5-14) grabbed a 1-0 lead in the second half on a goal by Brendon Schmidt.
The Bulldogs tied the game on Crumbaugh’s 19th goal of the season, adding to his school record. Braydon Roberts had the assist.
“We played really well. A lot of things we’ve been working on throughout the season came together,” Koenigsfeld said. “Terrance Stahlman played an excellent game at forward. He made things happen with pure determination and effort. He helped set up our goal in overtime. Defensively, we played well and really limited their opportunities.”
Reno Jones was in goal for St. Clair, collecting 10 saves. He played every minute of every game in goal this season.
“Reno is a junior and a first-year soccer player for us,” Koenigsfeld said. “He did a good job in goal this season. He’s a competitor. I was really pleased with his effort.”
