Despite a clear territorial advantage, the McMaster men’s soccer team could not find the net and had to settle for a 0-0 draw against the visiting Laurier Golden Hawks.

Chasing the York Lions for first place in the OUA West division, the Marauders were hoping to pick up three valuable points in the standings, while third-place Laurier wanted to gain ground on McMaster, which sits ahead in second spot.  The Marauders entered play as the 6^th-ranked team in the national top-ten.

It appeared the Marauders had taken the lead in the first half when Andrew Pastoric got his boot on a McMaster corner kick, but the offside flag went up in a close call that negated the goal.

In the second half, McMaster continued to carry the play and had some dangerous chances, but none better than a two-on-one break by Gersi Xhuti and Mark Reilly late in the game.  Only a game-saving stop by Laurier keeper Brett Harrington on a shot from Xhuti kept the game scoreless.  The Marauders pressed the attack right through stoppage time, but had to settle for the team’s first draw of the season.

McMaster now has a record of 8 wins, one loss, and one draw in 10 OUA games.

Next action for the men in Maroon is Saturday, October 6^th when Waterloo comes to Ron Joyce Stadium for an afternoon clash.   Game time is scheduled for 3:15 p.m.