Waterloo, Ont. – The Golden Hawks took on the Algoma Thunderbirds on Sunday on Alumni Field knowing exactly how important it was to play well in the weekend's doubleheader - and they didn't disappoint, managing to win the second game 3-1 to secure a six-point weekend.
Players and coaches alike were passionate from the start. Adriano Colangelo opened the scoring for the Golden Hawks just after the 20-minute mark of today's match, thanks to a strong run and beautifully laid pass from Joseph Carabetta. Colangelo then went on to score a second goal less the ten minutes later, doubling the Laurier lead.
Having drawn a foul during a break line just outside the 18-yard box in the 32nd minute, purple and gold ran an elaborate play that involved multiple players but saw veteran player Ethan Golias put the ball in the net making it 3-0 Golden Hawks at half.
Going into the second half, Laurier attempted to lock down the game and control the play. However, they faltered in the 69th when Thunderbird Dhiarj Joshi scored on a powerful shot from just inside the 18, making it a 3-1 game. This lit a spark under the Thunderbirds, who were hungry for a win, and forced the Golden Hawks to try to slow down the play - which proved to be successful.
After the game, Laurier head coach Mario Halapir shared how it was "a massive weekend for us and getting six points is a massive result. We're all really happy about that."
Top Performers
Laurier Golden Hawks
#23 – Divraj Sandhu
Sandhu put on one of the strongest performances of the match. The second-year defender was seen covering the field and other players as well as communicating with his team. He also modeled great patience and maturity, showing that he was calm even when other players and coaches were getting frustrated.
Going into next weekend Divraj says the Golden Hawks "are trying to maintain the winning mentality and just go in and try to get another six points next weekend."
Up Next
The Golden Hawks travel to St. Catharines on Saturday to face the Brock Badgers at 3:15 pm. Watch the match live on OUA.tv or stay up to date by following along @WLUAthletics on X.
