Better late than never is a good way to describe Wednesday night’s home opener for the Nipissing Lakers men’s soccer team as they faced the Laurentian Voyageurs.
The Lakers, who trailed 1-0 for pretty much the entire second half, scored on the final play of the game off a free-kick just above the 18-yard box to earn a 1-1 tie against their northern rivals.
Cale England’s shot deflected off Brandon TeBrake and into the back of the net to give the Lakers their first goal of the game which earned them a single point.
After a scoreless first half, the Voyageurs got off to a quick start in the second half, picking up the pace and finding the back of the net thanks to a header off a corner kick in the 47th minute.
After the goal the play picked up considerably with both teams trying to get that next goal – the Lakes to tie things up and the Voyageurs trying to put the game out of reach.
Both teams had chances to score, but it wasn’t until late that the Lakers were rewarded for their strong final quarter of the game.
Despite only scoring once, the Lakers did generate 11 shots and a handful of quality chances.
Grainger Munro made his fifth straight start, allowing one goal on 11 shots.
The Lakers, now with a 1-2-2 record, good for five points, will prepare to face the Carleton Ravens Saturday afternoon at 2:15 p.m.
The Ravens sit three points and two spots ahead of the Lakers with a 2-1-2 record and will enter the game having won their previous game, while the Lakers are 1-1-1 in their past three contests.
Submitted to BayToday.ca
