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Senior Jacob Podnar scored the game-winning goal in overtime to help push the Waterloo boys soccer team into Saturday's district final.

CANFIELD, Ohio – Jacob Podnar fielded a cross from Dakota Dorsey and scored the game-winner in overtime Tuesday to lead the Waterloo boys soccer team over South Range, 2-1, in the Division III Austintown District tournament.

The win propels the Vikings into Saturday’s distric championship against Columbiana Crestview.

Waterloo controlled the match for much of the duration and generated numerous scoring opportunities. But despite out-shooting South Range 17-3, the Vikings found goals scarce.

“Finally the shots we had did pay off,” coach Steve Knapp said.

The Vikings (12-3-1) fell behind early when goalkeeper Sam Griffiths was caught out of position, and South Range took a 1-0 lead. Despite the early miscue, Knapp praised his team defensively and said “Sam made three big saves for us.”

“We got off to a really slow start,” Knapp said. “We were not ready to match their intensity.”

But after Zach Morgan made good on a penalty kick, Waterloo took a 1-1 tie into halftime.

A scoreless second half led to overtime and Podar’s late-match heroics.

CRESTVIEW 3, ROOTSTOWN 2. Crestview advanced to the district finals behind a quick start against the Rovers.

Rootstown fell behind, following unassisted goals from Crestview’s Zack Moore and Alex Desalvo. Crestview went into the break leading 2-0.

Not to be shut out, the Rovers (10-7-1) tied the match as Andrew Mazur and Justin Langston each scored  unassisted goals.

“We came back and had a lot of momentum,” Rootstown coach Charlie Voth said.

Crestview (18-1-1) kicked the game-winner, however, and it was too much for Rootstown to overcome.

Rootstown, already missing a starter due to red cards, had to adjust even further on the pitch. Center halfback, R.J. Batch was out with an injury, forcing Voth to move his star forward, Ronnie Moss, to Batch’s position.

“They were triple-teaming Ronnie,” Voth said. “But everyone’s been doing that. We pushed as hard as we could, but that was all we could do.”

Voth, sounding exhausted after the game, said: “It’s hard to believe the season is already over. It’s an unforgiving game.”

He praised his players for their effort, not only during this match, but throughout the season.