It’s been a long time and a lot of games since the Nipissing Lakers women’s soccer team battled the UOIT Ridgebacks to kick off the 2015 OUA soccer season.
And it definitely showed.
The Lakers suffered a loss in the season opener, one they would like to forget and in their second last home game of the year, they put together a very solid effort to earn a 0-0 draw and a single point for the second straight game.
UOIT held the edge in the first half, out-shooting and out-chancing the Lakers, but in the second 45 minutes, it turned around as it was Nipissing who took it to the Ridgebacks.
Unfortunately neither team was able to find the net on their combined 13 shots.
Carlee Bennard was the busier of the two goalkeepers, making eight saves for the tie as she improved her personal record to 4-4-2.
She also has three shutouts in those 10 games.
The Lakers will attempt to finish the home schedule on a high note as they host the Trent Excalibur Sundayafternoon.
In their first meeting in Peterborough, Nipissing came away with a 3-2 win thanks to a pair of goals scored by forward Kristen Farkas.
Kick-off is scheduled for noon at the Education Centre Field at Nipissing University.
Men's Soccer
It has been almost a month since the Nipissing Lakers men’s soccer team last lost a game and Saturday against UOIT showed why.
In an intense, physical battle, the Lakers controlled the game almost for the full 90 minutes, scored on their opportunities and played solid defence on their way to a 3-1 victory and another three points in the standings.
Since they came up short against Ryerson on Sept. 12, the Lakers have gone 3-0-4 and have only surrendered five goals in those seven games – less than one per 90 minutes.
Their offence has shown up as well, scoring 11 times in that stretch.
Grainger Munro, who only allowed one goal Saturday was very good, making only three saves, but one of those stops included a penalty kick late in the game.
He is 3-2-4 on the season with a pair of shutouts.
The win was big to keep their unbeaten streak going, but more importantly, it now separates the Lakers and Ridgebacks by four points for fifth place in the East Division.
Currently Nipissing sits seven points up on Laurentian, who is chasing UOIT for the final post-season berth.
While the win doesn’t mathematically secure Nipissing a spot in the playoffs, it gives them a solid cushion with just five games remaining on the schedule.
Andy Bago got things rolling for the Lakers in the seventh minute as he potted the opening goal of the game.
UOIT would respond eight minutes later, however, tying the game.
Controlling the play, Nipissing scored twice more, however, due to a foul on one and an offside – both questionable calls – the Lakers were denied the tallies and the half ended with the teams tied at one.
Brandon TeBrake scored what would eventually be the winning goal, a minute into the second half to give the Lakers the lead.
Jean-Michel Paulin notched a goal six minutes late to put the game on ice and secure the triumph for Nipissing.
The Lakers (4-2-5) will play their final home game of the 2015 season Sunday when they host the Trent Excalibur (1-9-1).
Game time is 2:30 p.m. at the Education Centre Field.
