By By SCOTT NOVAK / Vigilant/Argus
A pair of second half goals lifted Dowagiac into the Division 3 soccer finals on Saturday.
The Chieftains will get a chance to defend its 2004 district championship when it takes on Brandywine at noon in Edwardsburg.
Dowagiac and Edwardsburg played to a scoreless first half tie leaving just 40 minutes to decide who would get a shot at the Bobcats in the finals.
The Chieftains got a goal from Tony Black in the 50th minute off an assist from D.J. Ennesser to give Dowagiac a 1-0 lead.
Brian Edgerly sealed the victory 10 minutes later when he scored off an assist from Black.
Dowagiac once again dominated the shots on goal against the Eddies, but until Thursday evening the Chieftains were winless in two tries.
Edwardsburg defeated Dowagiac in its season opening match, and then played to a 1-1 tie with the Eddies just two weeks ago.
Dowagiac outshot Edwardsburg 25-11 on the night.
Aaron Wilson, who returned to goal just three matches ago after sustaining a broken collar bone, was credited with nine saves.
Edwardsburg keeper Branden Muszynski stopped 18 shots.
Brandywine reached the finals on Saturday with a 2-0 upset victory over Lakeland Conference champion Bridgman.
On Saturday, the Chieftains blanked Brandywine 4-0 to capture its second straight district championship.
Dowagiac grabbed a 1-0 first half lead on a goal by Andrew Cuthbert.
The Chieftains then scored three times in the final 40 minutes to secure the district title.
Scoring in the second half for the Chieftains were Brian Edgerly, Tony Black and Adam Hess.
Dowagiac faced Forest Hills Eastern in the regional semifinals on Wednesday in Grandville.