Knies overtime tally gives Musketeers Clark series opening win

If the first game is any indication, the United States Clark Cup championship could provide some epic battles.

Phillip Knies provided the game winner 2:27 into overtime as the host Sioux City Musketeers collected a 5-4 win in the opening game of the Best of Five League Championship series against the Chicago Steel at the Tyson Events Center on Friday (May 12, 2017).

The goal provided the fifth and final lead change in a back and forth battle as Brian Rigali provided the tying goal for the Swordsmen with just 2:58 to play in the contest.

The Musketeers also held the early lead as Rigali opened the scoring 31 seconds into the contest only to have Jason O’Neill respond at the 2:11 mark for the Steel and Baker Shore provide the visiting team its first lead 8:57 into the game.

Keegan Mantaro responded, tying the game at 2-2 just past the halfway mark of the period and Odeen Tufto scored late in the period giving the Musketeers a 3-2 edge heading to the middle period.

Jordan Seyfert notched the lone middle period marker for the Steel who moved in front again with Jack Badini’s marker 5:16 into the third.

Matiss Kivlenieks made 20 saves in goal to pick up the win for the Musketeers, Matt Ladd stopping 25 shots in goal for the Steel.

Game two of the series will also be played at the Tyson Events Center on Saturday (May 13).