Comeback victory

The Thunder Bay Chill will play for their second Premier Development League title in two seasons.

Nolan Intermoia scored the game-winner in the 81st minute Friday night, capping a late-game comeback and scoring the Chill a 2-1 lead over the Baton Rouge Capitals in the PDL semifinal in Portland, Ore.

Much like last week’s come-from-behind win over Michigan in the Central Conference championship, Thunder Bay spent most of the second half deep in Baton Rouge territory, only to see a mistake prove costly.

But like they did against the Bucks, the Chill dug deep with time running out and finally found the back of the opposition net. Only this time they did it in regulation time.

The trouble began when Chill defender Julius Abegar was called on a foul just outside his goalkeeper’s box.

Tom Settle’s ensuing kick was deflected aside by the defensive wall, but led to a corner kick. Settle swung it out in front of Thunder Bay goalie Stephen Paterson, connecting with the head of teammate Chris Williams, who knocked it into the Chill net, giving the Capitals a 1-0 lead in the 75th minute.

Abegar made up for it three minutes later, driving a left-footed shot past Baton Rouge goalie Alessandro Salvatore that evened the score at one.

On Saturday the Chill will play the winner of Friday’s other semifinal between the host Portland U23s and Reading United AC. Portland has won all 18 games it’s played this season, and is attempting to become the first team in PDL history for finish with an unblemished record.

Saturday's final can be seen live on Fox Soccer Channel.