One would assume the focus of the match would be on the St. Thomas defense, given their high regular season total of goals allowed.  Portuguese was coming into the game with a +20 plus-minus rating in regular season play and could most definitely score goals and win games.  However this was a one-game, winner-take-all contest and potentially anything could happen.    Early on it was Portuguese putting on a display of skill and ball control as they dominated the pitch for the opening minutes of the game, keeping the play in their offensive zone and St. Thomas scrambling in their efforts to clear.  St. Thomas couldn't muster up any pressure of their own until about the 10 minute mark, and then moments later sent a long pass into far right side of the Portuguese pitch near the goal line that was picked up with some assertion by a St. Thomas striker, who beat his man cleanly and sent a perfect cross just out in front, that St. Thomas' # 28 Jared Kerr headed into the mesh.  Suddenly it was 1-nil St. Thomas and Portuguese were on their heels.  This dump-and-chase style of play showcased St. Thomas' speed and willingness to outwork their more skillful opponents, when given the opportunity.    For the next 65 minutes of the game, Portuguese formulated attack after offensive attack, which St. Thomas had to work very hard to stop.  St. Thomas' goalkeeper, Mike Filipovic put in an excellent performance during this period, stopping dozens of shots on net by the Portuguese strikers.  St. Thomas' # 39, Greg Broer, at midfield, also put on a fine display of strength during the midsection of the game, making many forceful stops and clears.  But this could not go on forever, as Portuguese were relentless in their attacks as they likely knew that only one mistake by St. Thomas would have them back in the game.    Indeed at 79 minutes Portuguese strikers stormed the goal and it was #12 (in white) Rick Pinheiro pounding one home to establish the tie.  The Portuguese bench went wild as they knew the game (and the Cup) was now within reach.  The final minutes played out in the same fashion but the momentum seemed to now belong to Portuguese.   Only 1 minute in to the first "Golden Goal" period it was Portuguese breaking through the line again with # 7 David Ly firing in a shot from close range.  Portuguese, who had been playing down a goal for the majority of the match, eventually solved the St. Thomas defenders and took the game 2-1 in overtime.  JHS