PONTIAC, MICH – The Thunder Bay Chill’s toughest task may already be in the rear-view mirror.
The Premier Development League club on Saturday captured the Central Conference championship, downing division rival Des Moines 2-0 at Ultimate Soccer Arena in Pontiac, Mich. to advance to the semifinal round.
Mitchell Osmond and Chris Makengo were the goal scorers for the Chill, who will have to wait to find out who they’ll play next weekend in their final-four matchup.
It’s the fifth Central Conference title for the Chill since 2008.
The Menace, who handed the Chill two of their three defeats in 2017, were unable to sustain much pressure in the regional final.
Osmond gave the Chill the early lead, scoring off a cross in the eighth minute.
Makengo’s goal was a thing of beauty, and end-to-end rush that he finished himself in the 44th to give Thunder Bay a 2-0 lead.
The Chill recorded their 10th clean slate of the season and continued their dominating defensive ways.
Also advancing to the final four on Saturday was Mississippi Brilla, who downed FC Miami City 3-1 on penalty kicks.
The Western Conference championship match between the Fresno Fuego and FC Golden State Force was postponed because of torrential rains.
In the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Charlotte Eagles got four goals from Joao Costa, three in overtime, to knock off the Seacoast United Phantoms 4-1. They’ll take on the Long Island Rough Riders in Sunday’s final, the winner advancing to the final four. Long Island blanked the Myrtle Beach Mutiny 2-0 on Saturday.
