WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) — For the first time in 28 years, the Wauwatosa East boys soccer team is heading back to a state championship game.

The top-seeded Red Raiders punched their ticket to the WIAA Division 2 state final with a 2-0 victory over No. 4 Pulaski on Thursday morning at Southeast Sales Powersports Stadium at Uihlein Soccer Park in Milwaukee.

Senior forward Luke Gendrich scored both goals in the semifinal victory, bringing his season total to 29.

Wauwatosa East's defense did the rest, with senior goalkeeper Andrew Metzger and the Red Raiders recording a shutout to send the program back to the title game for the first time since 1998.

Under head coach Eric Dale, Wauwatosa East improved to 18-2-1 with the victory.

The Red Raiders entered the state tournament as the No. 1 seed after defeating Brookfield Central 1-0 in the sectional final.

This year's trip to state is the sixth in program history and Wauwatosa East's first since 1998.

The Red Raiders have made the most of their recent state tournament appearances. Wauwatosa East won state championships in 1990 and 1998 and will now have an opportunity to capture the third title in program history.

Wauwatosa East will face the winner of Thursday's semifinal between defending Division 2 state champion Whitefish Bay and Monona Grove.

The Division 2 state championship is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Uihlein Soccer Park.