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PORTAGE — It took 40 minutes of regulation play, two overtimes and a shootout before the Edwardsburg boys’ soccer team claimed a 2-1 Division 2 regional semifinal win Tuesday over Plainwell on Portage Central’s field.

Edwardsburg, now 17-1-1, won its first regional game in school history advancing to Thursday’s championship match against Hudsonville Unity Christian, a 2-1 winner over Mason in the other semifinal. 

Thursday’s finals will be played at Mattawan High School at 6 p.m.

“Our preparation is fantastic. Our attendance at summer workouts is phenomenal. These guys put in the work four or five times a week. That really shows in games like these when they have go over 100 minutes and still have enough left in the tank to finish it off. That’s a testament to how hard these kids work and how much they want it,” Edwardsburg head coach Sean Jesse said afterwards.

Riley Szalai’s unassisted goal off a rebound of a teammate’s missed shot attempt gave Edwardsburg a 1-0 lead at 23:59 in the opening half. 

The one-goal advantage stood up for Edwardsburg going into intermission. 

Theirno Sadou Diallo headed a pass to fellow senior teammate Nate Launt at 33:32 in the second half helping Plainwell tie the match at 1-1.

Defense took over on both sides for the remainder of regulation play forcing a pair of 10-minute overtime sessions that were scoreless. 

Edwardsburg’s Brayden Fischer, Alecksandr Rodriguez and Szalai all scored on Plainwell junior goalie Carson Vos in the shootout.

Fischer and Rodriguez, the Eddies’ first two shooters, both placed their shot into the left corner of the net. 

Meanwhile, Edwardsburg sophomore net minder Law Gates made a great save to his left on Plainwell’s first short attempt by the Trojans’ Launt. Max Hoffman’s shot attempt went wide left for the Trojans and the match ended after a shot by Plainwell’s Salim Sumaila Dadzie hit the top of the crossbar as the Eddie players and coaching staff erupted into celebration along with their fans. 

Edwardsburg recorded 13 shots on goal to nine for Plainwell. 

Law Gates registered six saves in the match for Edwardsburg. Plainwell’s Vos ended the evening with five saves. 

The Eddies had five corner kicks to three for the Trojans. 

“Plainwell is a very good and physical team. It was a matter of dealing with their intense pressure and keeping our mental focus. There were times tonight we were a bit looser than I’d like us to be but we kept our intensity up and rode it out very well,” Jesse said.

Edwardsburg’s coach singled out the performance of Szalai at center midfield, along with Fischer at forward, along with Gates in goal. 

“Both of those guys have been phenomenal for us the last few matches. Law made not only big saves at the end, but he  was tough in goal the entire night,” Jesse added.

Edwardsburg’s defense played a critical role as well. That group includes senior Tanner Krah at outside back; Reed Gates and Austin Leak  at centerbacks and Chance Jacobs at the other outside back.

“Our defense hasn’t given up many goals all year. They stay compact and together. Their communication is great,” Jesse said. 

Now the Eddies face a formidable power in 17-0-4 Unity Christian, but Edwardsburg’s schedule has prepared them for this latest challenge.

“I think we are good enough to play with anyone. Our culture with this group of kids has put us in a great spot. We just have to be ready to go and compete. Everyone is good from here on out,” Jesse said.

Plainwell head coach Ryan Beauregard had nothing but praise after the match for his Trojans, who finish 11-7-5. 

“Edwardsburg is well organized and well-coached. This has been a rivalry in the making for our seniors the last three years even at the jayvee level with them (Eddies). We won the conference last year and Edwardsburg has won it two of the last three seasons. This year we tied twice in regulation,” Beauregard said. 

“The fact that we found ways to get better and respond says a lot about our kids. I thought we were well prepared tonight, but when it comes to a shootout its just the luck of what happens sometimes.”