PORTLAND – The Thunder Bay Chill scored two goals in less than two minutes to book their place in the 2010 Premier Development League (PDL) Championship Finals, as they came back from a goal down to defeat the Baton Rouge Capitals 2-1 on Friday evening. A goal by Julius Abegar canceled out the lead created by the Capitals’ Chris Williams, and Nolan Intermoia scored les than a minute later to advance the Chill to the Championship game.
In scoreless first half, which saw the Chill carry most of the play, the Capitals failed to test Chill keeper Steve Paterson with a single shot. The trend continued into the second half, where the Capitals spent most of the half defending in their end of the field. However, in the 75th minute, against the run of play, Tom Settle put in a corner kick which found the head of Chris Williams, who gave the Capitals a 1-0 lead. The Chill equalized less then five minutes later when Julius Abegar scored an unassisted goal in the 79th minute with a left footed shot at the top of the 18-yard box. Only moments later, Nolan Intermoia scored the winning goal in the 80th minute, assisted by Gustavo Oliviera.
Notable injuries include Chill Captain Wilson Neto who left the game after the first half, after a clash of heads with Capitals keeper Alessandro Salvatore. Rafa Heck received the only caution for the Chill, as Heck was shown yellow in the second half for a reckless challenge.
The Chill will now look ahead to tomorrow when they face the winner of the match between Reading United AC and Portland Timbers U23, for the 2010 PDL Championship Title. The game will take place at 7:00 p.m. (EDT) at PGE Park. The Championship Final will be broadcast LIVE on Fox Soccer Channel.
Game Schedule for Saturday, August 7th, 2010.
Consolation Final
Saturday, August 7, 2010 – 4:00 p.m. (EDT) – Baton Rouge Capitals vs. Loser of Semi Final 2.
PDL Championship Final
Saturday, August 7, 2010 – 7:00 p.m. (EDT) – Thunder Bay Chill vs. Winner of Semi Final 2.