The defending Section III, Class B champions would need an upset to defend their crown.

But you always have to beat the best to be the best.

The fifth-seeded Skaneateles boys soccer team shut out top-ranked Clinton 2-0 in the Class B semifinals Wednesday night in Chittenango. The Lakers will now face the winner of Marcellus and Westhill for the sectional championship at a date and place to be determined.

“It was a very physical game,” Lakers coach Kirk Atwater said. “We played a great 80 minutes and took advantage of the scoring opportunities we got in the second half.”

Clinton was 16-1 heading into the matchup. Skaneateles junior Jared Amory and senior Bryan Stokes-Cawley scored both goals.

Kelly Donigan and Jeff Baldetti earned one assist apiece for Skaneateles while Jake Bird collected nine saves.

“Bird played outstanding in goal tonight,” Atwater said. “The entire defense did an amazing job holding back the top-seeded team.”

Skaneateles also led Clinton in shots on goal, 10-8, and in corner kicks, 4-1.

Lakers 2

Warriors 0