WATERLOO, Ont. - Fans crowded around Alumni Field to watch a tightly contested matchup Friday night. It was the visiting Marauders who'd come out on top thanks to a late goal, earning them a 1-0 victory.
It was all defence in the first half, with neither team able to generate many significant chances. It quickly became a very physical match; the officials were happy to let play continue even as both teams made aggressive tackles.
Laurier managed five shots before the break, but none that threatened McMaster keeper Ethan Cagalj, who was flawless through the full 90 minutes.
Adriano Colangelo got the crowd on their feet just six minutes into the second half when he connected on a bicycle kick that sailed just over the crossbar.
Around the 70', McMaster began to pour on the pressure offensively. Consecutive saves by Golden Hawks keeper Shane Perera were followed by a near-miss when Marauder Jameel Durhan was left all alone in front of the net, but sent his volley high.
Minutes later, Laurier's Ethan Golias nearly broke through for a breakaway, but was fouled by Durhan, earning him a yellow card.
The Golden Hawks couldn't capitalize on the free kick, and McMaster took it down the field to score. Damiano Refosco's shot was deflected in by Sachin Seargent on a controversial play that many of the Laurier fans were calling offside.
Ghouli had another great chance to tie the game in the 87', but this time was robbed on a beautiful save by Cagalj. Laurier wouldn't get another dangerous opportunity before the final whistle sounded.
"I just don't think we created anything today that looked like what we've been doing in the last bunch of games," said Laurier head coach Mario Halapir on the loss.
"This was a critical three points that we lost today. It's at a point in the season where those points are precious."
The Golden Hawks will look to take back those three points on Sunday when they travel to Hamilton for the second leg of this weekend's home-and-home.
"It makes it tough on Sunday, cause you're going away from home," said Halapir. "Especially when you play a team that's physical ... I think we've got to match that to an extent, but at the end of day, we've got to play our game."
TOP PERFORMERS
Laurier Golden Hawks
#6 – Ethan Golias
Golias was one of the few Golden Hawks able to create chances against a strong McMaster defence. His corner kicks also led to some of Laurier's better opportunities.
#1 – Ethan Cagalj
Even with a great defence in front of him, Cagalj was the primary reason McMaster earned the clean sheet and the win.
UP NEXT
Kickoff for Sunday's rematch is set for 3:15 p.m. at Ron Joyce Stadium in Hamilton. Follow @WLUAthletics on X for live updates.
