You can excuse the the Nipissing Lakers men's soccer team if they aren't playing desperation soccer.

With a playoff spot clinched, the Lakers know they are playing in the road in Round 1 of the post-season, so the final few games of the season are basically a tune up for the biggest game of the year. That being said, the team doesn't want to back into the playoffs.

Nipissing was in Kingston Saturday to face the Queens Gaels and despite strong efforts from goakeeper Nicholas Cirullo and midfielder Mathieur Simard, the Lakers came up short, losing 2-0.

Queens scored on a penalty kick and a long range shot, both in the second half to pick up the three points. It was scoreless at half until the Gaels, during their homecoming weekend, scored in the second 45 minutes.

"Nico Cirullo played well in net and Mathieu Simard had a strong game playing center mid and center back during the 90 minutes,: Lakers head coach Carlo DeVuono said post-game. We are looking for a bounce back game leading to our playoff game on Wednesday versus Carleton."

The last few weekends allowed DeVuono to give a few of the younger players some playing time, which will allow them to use their depth when the post-season hits, thanks to the experience gained during the final matches of the regular season.

Even though there is one game remaining on the schedule, Nipissing will finish in fifth place.

The Lakers will wrap up the regular season Sunday against RMC, as they prepare for their qurater-final game Wednesday.