Lakers playoff bound

The Nipissing University men’s soccer squad (4-8-2) will advance to the OUA playoffs for the second straight year with a 5-2 over Trent Sunday afternoon.

The Lakers men soccer team was aware that this was a do our die situation as the last playoff spot was on the line. The Lakers needed the three points in order to catch Ryerson University in the standing who sat two points ahead of the Lakers after they mustered a 1-1 tie against Carleton.

The Lakers took to the field in less then ideal conditions as the wind, heavy rain and snow left the pitch in less then favourable condition. The Lakers began the game falling behind early as Trent’s Sean Avey tucked in a nicely placed through ball past the Lakers keeper Bobby Fashbaugh.

The Lakers re-grouped quickly and began to take over possession allowing the team to create numerous scoring opportunities. The Lakers drew even at the 12 minute mark on a goal by the Lakers striker Matt Prikken. The Lakers offense then took over scoring another three unanswered goals giving the Lakers the 4-1 half time lead.

The inclement weather continued to be a factor in the second half as the field conditions continued to deteriorate. The Lakers continued possession for most of the second half however Trent capitalized on their only chance when Steven Davis placed a low shot passed the outstretched Fashbaugh. The Lakers Eric Yung put the game out of reach when he carved in a beautiful strike from just outside the 18 yard box in the top right corner.

“The boys knew what they had to do from the beginning,” said assistant coach Tony D’Agostino. “The field conditions were very difficult today but the players battled hard and played some solid technical soccer,

“We are very proud of all the players and the way they responded to the difficult playing conditions.”

With the game now out of reach the officials decided to call the game for the unsafe field conditions.

The Lakers will have to wait for results around the league to find out where they will travel on Wednesday.

The Lady Lakers game was cancelled due to poor field conditions. As a result the Lady Lakers finish the season with a 3-10-2 record.