WINDSOR, Ont. - In a gritty and physical contest, Laurier edged Windsor 1-0 in a match dominated by fouls, yellow cards, and a dramatic last-minute goal by Adriano Colangelo.

With the victory, the playoff-bound Golden Hawks also secured the team's first home playoff game since 2016.

From the opening whistle, both teams displayed strong defensive tactics, leading to a steady but tense first half with few clear scoring opportunities.

Windsor's Noah Branco received the first yellow card of the game in the 41st minute after a hard challenge, as the aggressive play began to escalate.

Despite the mounting tension, neither side was able to break the deadlock, and the first half ended in a scoreless tie, with the teams heading into halftime scoreless.

The second half picked up where the first left off, with both teams battling for control of the match.

Windsor's Nico Fontecha was shown a yellow card in the 66th minute, marking the start of a flurry of yellows as tempers flared on the field.

Laurier's Alex Babol followed with a yellow card of his own in the 76th minute after a contentious foul, and just a minute later, Windsor's Mason Bailey was also cautioned for an aggressive tackle.

The game became increasingly physical, with fouls interrupting the flow of play and both teams struggling to create sustained offensive pressure.

Despite the heavy fouling, Laurier remained composed and patient, looking for an opportunity to capitalize.

With time winding down and the game seemingly headed for a draw, Adriano Colangelo stepped up in the 90th minute to deliver the game's only goal. His perfectly timed strike came in the final moments, going right over Windsor's goalie's head and sending the Laurier bench into celebration.

Colangelo's late goal proved to be the difference-maker in a tense, high-stakes affair.

Laurier's defense held strong in the closing moments to preserve the 1-0 lead and secure the victory.

The win was a testament to Laurier's resilience and discipline, as they managed to navigate a high-fouling game and come out on top.

Despite Windsor's physicality and determination, Laurier's composure and Colangelo's clinical finish earned them a well-deserved victory in this intense battle.

As the #4-seed in the OUA West division, the Golden Hawks will now face the #5-seed Guelph Gryphons in a first round playoff match-up on Saturday, October 19.

Ironically, that's the same opponent and playoff round in which the Golden Hawks secured their last playoff victory back in 2014. 

Kickoff at Ansley Alumni Field is set for 7 pm and admission is free.

The game will also be streamed live on OUA.tv