Ravens edge Lakers in overtime

OTTAWA, ON – The Nipissing Lakers men’s soccer team was edged 2-1 in overtime by the Carleton Ravens in OUA first round playoff action.

The loss ends the Lakers 2009 campaign in which the team finish 6th in the OUA East division with a regular season record of 2-5-7.

In the first half Carleton came out strong using home field advantage and maintaining a good portion of the possession. The scoreless draw was broken when Carleton’s Caki Simrooglu was sent in on a through ball and made no mistake putting the ball past keeper Corey Schwartz.

The first half would end 1-0 in Carleton’s favour.

In the second half the Lakers re-focused and began to apply pressure that resulted in a quick corner kick in the opening two minutes. Lakers midfielder Odean Thompson was able to tie the game at 1-1 as he headed home the corner past a diving Carleton keeper Karl Wasslen.

Both teams exchanged some chances however at the end of regulation time the teams were deadlocked at 1-1.

Overtime would consist on two 15 minute halves and during the first two minutes of play in the extra frame Simrooglu scored his second of the contest and the game winner.

With 6 minutes remaining in the game the Lakers had a late chance when Wasslen bobbled a corner kick that Lakers striker Shayn Karn made a sliding attempt to kick however Wesslen was able to make the key save late in the game.

Carleton was then able to run the clock as they claimed the narrow 2-1 victory. The Ravens now advance to the OUA East semi-finals.

The Lakers were without veteran defenders Andy Clarke and Mike Hamilton who were out with injuries.

Submitted to BayToday.ca