WATERLOO, Ont. - The Golden Hawks touched down at Ansley Alumni Field for the team's final regular season home game on Wednesday but couldn't get back in flight, losing 2-0 to the visiting Windsor Lancers.
The last time the two teams squared off was last year's playoff match-up, which Laurier won dramatically.Â
This time, both entered the match with identical 3-4-3 records, meaning whoever took home a victory would clinch an OUA playoff berth.Â
Possession was fairly even from the get-go, but the issue for the Golden Hawks was their inability to get a shot off while the Lancers were shooting at every opportunity. This resulted in a 1-0 lead for the Lancers just two minutes into the match.
By the end of the first half, Windsor led in shots 6-3 as well as on the scoreboard.
The second half saw more of the same from the Golden Hawks, who only got four shots off within the half.Â
In the 85th minute, Windsor's Olivia Corazza scored the dagger to ultimately secure the Lancers' victory.Â
Laurier head coach
Barry MacLean didn't mince words when assessing his team's performance.Â
"That is our poorest performance ever. Mentally, we just weren't at the races, but we're young and knew there would be a few hiccups."Â
He went on to explain that the team's mentality switched and they weren't able to catch the game when it switched back on.Â
Fourth-year striker Jyannessa Sealy had similar thoughts, saying, "The first goal took everyone by surprise, but that doesn't disregard the leadership that was needed to carry on."
"Soccer is a mental game, so if you let something like that take you out when there are 85 minutes left in the game, it really changes the game."
While their playoff chances took a hit, they weren't completely diminished. The Golden Hawks will get in to the postseason with a win on Saturday.
The team can also qualify with a Waterloo loss against McMaster.
In the event of a tie against Windsor, Laurier could also qualify but would need Waterloo to draw or lose against McMaster.
Top PerformersÂ
Laurier Golden HawksÂ
Jada JohnsonÂ
Johnson's presence is obvious as soon as she enters a play. Attacking with speed and intensity on the pitch and controlling the Laurier offensive line.
Windsor LancersÂ
Olivia CorazzaÂ
Corazza was an offensive menace in Wednesday's match. She led the Lancers in shots on goal and scored one of the team's two goals.Â
Up NextÂ
The Golden Hawks (3-5-3) and Lancers (4-4-3) will face off again this Saturday, October 12 for the last game of the OUA regular season at Windsor's Alumni Stadium.
Follow @WLUAthletics on X for live updates or stream the game live on OUA.tv
Â
