MADISON - Sugar River senior Jared Widish scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 39th minute to propel the Raiders to a thrilling 2-1 win over Madison Edgewood in a WIAA Division 3 regional championship game Saturday at Madison College.
Widish scored the clinching goal on an assist from junior Justin Knoebl. Sugar River senior goalie Cole Myers had eight saves.
"It was a tough regional championship game," Sugar River coach Kyle Webber said. "Both teams played very well. Lots of off the ball movement in the first half led to a couple goals."
It didn't take the Raiders long to strike early on. Junior Jack Gentilli scored on an assist by Jaden Kreklow in the fourth minute to give the Raiders a short-lived 1-0 lead. Edgewood freshman Ben Stitgen had a goal on a pass from sophomore Michael Orosz-Fagen in the 30th minute to tie the game at 1.
"Edgewood had a very effective counter attack leading to a wonderful chip for a goal," Webber said. "Sugar River was able to hold on as Edgewood continued to press forward during the final minutes. Two very tough teams."
With the win, Sugar River (16-5-3) advances to play at top-seeded Mount Horeb in a sectional semifinal Thursday. The Vikings slipped by the Raiders 1-0 earlier this season in a nonconference game.
Widish scored the clinching goal on an assist from junior Justin Knoebl. Sugar River senior goalie Cole Myers had eight saves.
"It was a tough regional championship game," Sugar River coach Kyle Webber said. "Both teams played very well. Lots of off the ball movement in the first half led to a couple goals."
It didn't take the Raiders long to strike early on. Junior Jack Gentilli scored on an assist by Jaden Kreklow in the fourth minute to give the Raiders a short-lived 1-0 lead. Edgewood freshman Ben Stitgen had a goal on a pass from sophomore Michael Orosz-Fagen in the 30th minute to tie the game at 1.
"Edgewood had a very effective counter attack leading to a wonderful chip for a goal," Webber said. "Sugar River was able to hold on as Edgewood continued to press forward during the final minutes. Two very tough teams."
With the win, Sugar River (16-5-3) advances to play at top-seeded Mount Horeb in a sectional semifinal Thursday. The Vikings slipped by the Raiders 1-0 earlier this season in a nonconference game.
