HAMILTON, Ont. - Barely anything separated McMaster and Laurier in Wednesday night's first-round playoff match, and the teams needed 120 minutes to determine a winner. A goal in the last minute of the first extra time period made the difference, as the Marauders were able to earn a 1-0 victory. 

Much like the two regular season meetings between these division rivals, this match was a defensive battle, with neither team giving up any real significant chances on goal in the first half. The purple and gold outshot the maroon-clad hosts 5-2, but the teams when into the break tied 0-0. 

Laurier's best chance of the game came just eight minutes into the second half when Divraj Sandhu curled a shot that beat the McMaster keeper but sailed just inches over the crossbar. 

The Golden Hawks controlled possession throughout the half, but the Marauders made the most of their counter-attacking opportunities, and each team managed seven shots in the period. The game remained scoreless after 90 minutes, meaning this game was headed to extra time.  

The game was already the kind of physical match characteristic of these two teams, but the intensity got turned up even further, with five yellow cards being handed out in extra time alone. 

With the clock winding down on the first 15-minute period, McMaster's Damiano Refosco sent in a sharp corner kick which Christian Alfieri deflected from just a few feet off the goal line up and over Laurier keeper David Carano.  

The Marauders were effective protecting the lead in the final 15, playing conservatively and stacking the 18-yard box with defenders. Laurier's best chance came in the dying seconds when Adriano Colangelo let fly a rocket of a shot towards the top of the goal. Marauders keeper Ethan Cagalj made a leaping effort to tip it high with one hand. 

The loss brings an end to the Golden Hawks season, which marked their first playoff appearance since 2016. McMaster will move on to face Brock in the OUA quarterfinals. 

TOP PERFORMERS 

McMaster Marauders 

#1 – Ethan Cagalj 

A 120-minute clean sheet is already impressive, doing it under a high-pressure situation is another thing. Cagalj was flawless for the Marauders in this match, recording six saves. 

Laurier Golden Hawks 

#27 – Leonardo Takahashi 

Takahashi played all 120 minutes for the Golden Hawks and was his usual play-driving self throughout. The second-year midfielder played solid on both ends of the field, recording two shots on goal.