BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio — In a postseason matchup that delivered drama until the final minutes, the Benjamin Logan boys soccer team rallied from a halftime deficit to defeat West Liberty-Salem 2-1 in double overtime, advancing to the district semifinals Saturday night.

The Raiders (11-4-3) overcame an early Tigers lead before sophomore substitute Karson McCoy delivered the decisive goal with 5:21 remaining in the second overtime. The victory sends Benjamin Logan into the next round and gives head coach Hughes the 200th boys soccer win of his career.

West Liberty-Salem struck first, finding the back of the net midway through the opening half to take a 1-0 advantage into halftime. The Tigers' defensive effort kept Benjamin Logan searching for an equalizer as the contest moved into the second half.

With time winding down, the Raiders finally broke through.

Massi Sardinha pounced on a loose ball with 11 minutes remaining in regulation, finishing the opportunity to even the score at 1-1. The goal shifted momentum toward Benjamin Logan, which began generating additional chances as it searched for a go-ahead score.

Neither team could find the winner before the end of regulation, forcing overtime.

Benjamin Logan created several opportunities during the first overtime period but could not capitalize, leaving the contest on the brink of a penalty-kick shootout.

McCoy made sure it never came to that.

With 5:21 left in the second overtime, the sophomore substitute collected a loose ball approximately 15 yards from goal and connected on a side volley that found the side netting. The strike broke the tie and sent the Raiders into celebration as they secured the hard-fought postseason victory.

For McCoy, the moment was especially memorable. The sophomore had not scored a varsity goal before Saturday night, but he delivered his first at the most critical moment of Benjamin Logan's season.

After the game, Hughes praised both teams for their performances in a contest that lived up to its postseason billing.

"What a great game that was," Hughes said. "I told the guys on Friday I felt confident that we would win, but I knew it was going to be an absolute battle, and the game did not disappoint."

Hughes acknowledged the challenge West Liberty-Salem presented, particularly after the Tigers grabbed the early lead.

"West Liberty played fantastic, and when they scored first they had us rattled for sure," Hughes said. "But a huge goal there by Massi to tie it up, and we really had everything rolling at that point."

The Raiders continued to apply pressure after Sardinha's equalizer, creating opportunities throughout the closing stages of regulation and overtime.

"I was hoping we'd get a goal and not have to go to PKs," Hughes said. "Karson picked a great time for his first career varsity goal, and what a strike that was."

The victory carries added significance for Benjamin Logan, as the Raiders will now host a district semifinal for the first time in program history.

Benjamin Logan will welcome No. 9 seed Milton Union on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Milton Union advanced with a 1-0 victory over Greenon, setting up a matchup with the Raiders for a place in the district finals.

With their season still alive and momentum on their side, the Raiders will look to build on Saturday's dramatic finish as they continue their postseason run.

Hughes also recognized West Liberty-Salem and head coach Wolfe for their efforts in a competitive matchup.

"I congratulate the West Liberty kids and Coach Wolfe on a great season and a great game, but we are excited to have the opportunity to host the next game and see if we can move on to the district finals," Hughes said.

For Benjamin Logan, Saturday's victory was about more than advancing another round. It was a milestone night for its head coach, a breakthrough moment for a sophomore forward and a dramatic win that earned the Raiders another opportunity to compete for a district championship.