Seibolt Scores in Overtime, Blue Jays Advance to Championship

Dustin Seibolt
Dustin Seibolt

FULTON, Mo. - Dustin Seibolt scored the golden goal in the 99th minute of the SLIAC semifinal against Fontbonne to advance to the championship match Saturday. 

Westminster advances to face top-seeded Spalding Saturday at 2 p.m. CT. 

"We are really happy with the end result," said Westminster Head Coach Adam Galla. "It was tough to establish a rhythm in possession tonight with the wet surface, but I still feel like we created some really good opportunities."

Both teams made a defensive statement in the first half, withthe match remaining scoreless until the 41st minute. The Blue Jays struck first with a cross from outside the box from Daniel Barone to Peter Gerber, who netted the ball from close range. 

Both teams went into the break 1-0, until the Griffins were able to even out the score with less than three minutes left in the match. Ryan Curran of Fontbonne snuck the ball just past a defender to give David Keevan a one-on-one opportunity with Westminster goalkeeper Ben Chesher

Tied at 1-1, both teams were set for overtime. With under two minutes left, Drake Trease put a ball through Fontbonne's defenders for Seibolt, who came through with the biggest goal for the Blue Jays so far this season, ending the match 2-1. 

Westminster outshot Fontbonne 20-7. Despite the Blue Jays' opportunities to put the game away earlier, Griffin goalie Tony Pitaro made several stops to preserve the tie for Fontbonne. 

"Their keeper made a couple of huge saves, but we got one when it mattered most," said Galla. "Now we are going to refocus for Spalding Saturday."

Chesher made two saves for the Blue Jays while Pitaro added five. 

Westminster advances to the championship match against Spalding in Louisville, Ky., Saturday at 2 p.m. CT.