The Six Nations Pro-Fit Chiefs struck early and were able to hold off the late surge to earn first blood.
Stephen Keogh's goal with just over five minutes to go in regulation gave the Chiefs a 9-8 win over the Brooklin Redmen on the road Sunday night.
With the win, the Chiefs own a 1-0 lead in their best-of-seven Major Series Lacrosse semifinal series.
Cody Jamieson and Colin Doyle scored less than two minutes apart late in the first period to give the Chiefs a two-goal lead after 20 minutes.
After Shayne Jackson cut the lead five minutes into the second period, Jamieson regained the two-goal mark, with Dan Coates, Jamieson and Kasey Beirnes adding to the lead.
Mike Triolo and Curtis Knight responded for the Redmen.
After Jeff Shattler made it a 7-3 Chiefs lead, Steve Priolo, Kyle Aquin and Shayne Jackson got the Redmen back into the game. But then Doyle and Keogh gave the Chiefs the lead they would'nt give up despite late goals by Aquin and Gavin Prout.
Brandon Miller made 43 stops to earn the win, while Mike Poulin made 50 save in teh losing effort.
Game 2 of the series is Tuesday, when the two teams lock horns at the Iroquois LAcrosse Arena at 8 p.m.
LAX NOTES: Jamieson led the Chiefs with three goals and three assists, while Beirnes nad Keogh each had two helpers to go along with their goals. The Chiefs almost had its full roster. Roger Vyse, Craig Point and Randy Staats were notable scratches.
