HAMILTON, Ont. - The men's soccer team took home their first playoff win of the season in fashion, scoring a clutch goal in extra time. Their opponent, the Laurier Golden Hawks, played tenaciously, but the Marauders were able to power through and seize a chance late in the game.   

Both teams started the game playing energetically but cautiously, wary of each other's strength on offense. Neither team could gain an upper hand which led to a couple of early fouls in frustration. Soon, Laurier started to pick up the pace. Their quick pressure on the ball, coupled with the rainy weather, had McMaster's defense scrambling. They held it out to keep the game scoreless at the half.

The teams went all out in the second half, slinging in shots and playing long balls overhead. There were plenty of exciting, back-and-forth counterattacks. Despite this energy, neither team could break through by the end of the 90 minutes, bringing the game to extra time.

Goalie Ethan Cagalj was at the forefront of the extra time drama, with two crucial saves in the beginning and end of the 30-minute period. Both Laurier and McMaster kept up the pressure but their tired legs led to defensive lapses. It all changed at the end of the first period of extra time when the Marauders finally found their long-awaited goal. A beautiful corner by defender Damiano Refosco was slung into the near post and met with a smart flick-header by forward Cristian Alfieri. The stadium roared as the ball looped over the goalie's head into the net. Cristian Alfieri had only come on as a substitute in the 74th minute, but he made his presence felt with that clutch goal. He now leads the team in goals scored this season, with five under his belt. The second period of extra time passed without a goal as the Marauders fought tooth and nail to prevent the Golden Hawks from shooting. 

Despite tough pressure by Laurier and bitter weather, the Marauders were able to keep their cool, capitalizing off of their chances when they needed it most. They move on to round two of the playoffs this Saturday against the Brock Badgers. Their clutch mentality, as demonstrated today, will hopefully take them far.