Sturgeon Bay soccer passed their most difficult test of the playoffs so far by beating Oostburg for the sectional championship in Kohler on Saturday afternoon. The Clippers needed overtime to take it 2-1. Owen Stevenson scored both of Sturgeon Bay's goals including the game-winner with just 1:25 left in the second overtime period.

 

Sturgeon Bay controlled play for most of the first half. Stevenson got the Clippers on the board in the 14th minute after a corner kick from CJ Fairchild.

 

It was a different story in the second half. Oostburg showed why they were the number-1 seed in the region and were undefeated until this game. Marco Gonzalez Moreno scored not even two minutes into the second half to tie the game at 1. The Flying Dutchmen kept the pressure on Sturgeon Bay for much of the rest of the half. They hit the post once and had other good opportunities for goals that they just couldn't put past Clipper keeper Joe Wind. Sturgeon Bay also missed some opportunities in the second half.

 

In overtime, both teams squandered chances early and Ben DeNamur deflected a shot on the goalline to preserve the tie. Gonzalez Moreno hit the crossbar on another shot attempt. Spencer Hubbard's shot early in the first overtime period went just wide of the net for Sturgeon Bay. In the 109th minute, Eli Dietzel set up Stevenson for the goal past Oostburg keeper Braden Van Ginkel for the deciding goal.

 

Sturgeon Bay will advance to the state semi-final for the third year in a row and the 8th time in 10 years. The Clippers will play on Thursday in Milwaukee. They will play either at 11 AM or 1:30 PM depending on the seeding of the final four teams. The game will be broadcasted on 103.3 The Clipper and DoorKewauneeHighSchoolSports.com with the pregame starting a half-hour before the game begins.