A massive mid-week win lifted men’s soccer back into contention for a first-round playoff bye.

The Gaels (6-2-3) played a high intensity match against the Carleton Ravens (6-2-3) Wednesday night in Ottawa, and after 90 minutes of focused play walked away with a 2-0 victory.

Head coach Christian Hoefler said the result was “absolutely fantastic.”

“I believe we followed the plan to a tee, and at the end of the day the professionalism shown by the players resulted in a successful win,” Hoefler said.

The physical competition buzzed with a playoff atmosphere, as close scoring chances were seen from both sides.

Keeping the Gaels in the game was goalkeeper Max Materne, who performed flawlessly through the duration of the match.

Fourth-year midfielder Henry Bloemen put the Gaels up 1-0 in the 49th minute, burying a goal into the back of the Ravens’ net from inside the enemy box.

Queen’s upped the pressure for the remainder of the half and continued to perform into stoppage time, as third-year midfielder Will Twardek sealed the deal with a breakaway goal in the final seconds of the game.

Hoefler said the energy of the crowd added to the intensity of the match, as many Queen’s supporters and alumni were present to cheer on the Gaels.

The result will give the team needed momentum as they head back out on the road with two games this weekend.

The Gaels will look to come home with six points, as they play the Laurentian Voyageurs (3-5-2) on Saturday and take on the Nipissing Lakers (2-5-3) Sunday.

“Right now it comes down to our roster depth. With numerous injuries, it’s very essential that many of our players who may not have began the season on the pitch step up and follow through with our game plan,” Hoefler said about the upcoming matches.

“Going up north is never easy but we have a plan and if we stick to it we’ll be successful.”