After Saturday’s game, there’s no questioning the Nipissing Lakers men’s soccer team’s heart, determination or willingness to pay the price.
The Lakers, despite the outcome, were in a battle from start to finish as themselves, as well as the visiting Carleton Ravens, left it all out on the field in an extremely physical game.
A total of 10 yellow cards were handed out, along with some warnings and even two ejections, both to the Ravens coaches.
But in the end, it was the Ravens lone goal off a penalty kick in the 45th minute that made the difference.
The Lakers had a few chances, but overall, they weren’t able to sustain a tonne of pressure throughout the 90 minutes.
The best chances for the Lakers came from free-kicks and corner kicks as they sent a number of balls towards the net, but none rippled the twine.
The Lakers now hold a record of 1-3-2 after their first three weekends of action.
Four of those games were played on the road, with just two – Wednesday and Saturday – being played in North Bay.
While it’s not the start the team was looking for, they’ll have the chances to get back in the win column next weekend when they host Trent and UOIT, which will wrap up the first half of the season.
All three teams are right around the middle of the pack, so a big weekend from the Lakers could put some separation between themselves and the bottom part of the standings which would go a long way in securing a playoff spot and challenging the top teams.
Next weekend’s games are set for 2:15 p.m., although depending the weather; the games could be played at Omischl Field or the Nipissing Education Centre field.
Lakers Women's team blanked
There was a lot of excitement surrounding the Nipissing Lakers women’s soccer home opener which took place Saturday afternoon.
After a solid start to the season on the road, the Lakers were ready to kick things off on the right foot at home, but unfortunately the Carleton Ravens had other plans.
The Ravens proved to be too much for the Lakers and earned a 5-0 win thanks to an early goal and three tallies in the second half.
Just two minutes in, the Ravens were able to find the back of the net and score what proved to be the game-winning goal.
And despite a push-back from the Lakers, a second goal before the end of the half put the Ravens up 2-0 heading into the break.
With the score 2-0, the Lakers tried to mount a comeback as they teams played even for much of the second half, however, a 10-minute span late in the clinched the victory for Carleton.
They were able to find the back of the net three times in just over nine minutes to put the game away and ruin the Lakers first game in front of their fans.
The Lakers will try to get back into the win column when they host the second game of their weekend, taking on the Ottawa Gee Gees Sunday at noon.
The Gee Gees enter the game having won four straight and sit on top of the East Division.
After losing their opener, the Gee Gees haven’t lost since and will be a tough opponent for the Lakers.
Nipissing now sits with a 1-3-1 record and will be looking to pick up their second win on Sunday when they hit the field at Omischl Sports Complex.
Game time is set for noon.
