AMHERSTBURG, Ont. - The St. Clair College men's varsity soccer team suffered a heartbreaking loss in their first round playoff match on Friday night. The Saints ended up losing to the Niagara Knights by a score of 2-1 in overtime.

After going up 1-0 on a great goal by Gabriel Poulino in the 16th minute St. Clair had several great chances to go up 2-0 but failed to capitilize after a couple of great saves by the Niagara goalkeeper.

Niagara tied the game up in the 60th minute on a nice goal. After losing striker Jordan Lidia early in the second half, things got worse for St. Clair with about 20 minutes left in regulation time when Poulino was involved in a scary collison with the Niagara keeper. Poulino was out cold briefly and had to be taken away in an ambulance. He appeared to be in good spirits as he was carted off.

After getting over the initial shock of the situation the Saints settled down and played hard for the rest of the match. Both teams had several great chances in regulation time but neither team could bulge the twine.

The extra time was very exciting with both teams having a couple of great chances. Niagara scored the winning goal with six minutes left in extra time on a nice individual effort. It was a hard fought game and the St. Clair men didn't lose for lack of effort.
 
With the win the Knights will go on to play in the OCAA quarter-final next weekend in Ottawa against the first place team from the East, the Algonquin Thunder.

Source: St. Clair College