There is only one word to describe a loss like that for the Nipissing Lakers women's soccer team. And that word crushing.

Despite weathering an early storm, the Lakers outchanced and outshot the Laurentian Voyageurs, but a late goal by the Vees gave them the 2-1 win and the three points.

The loss, coupled with the Laurentian win and a win by Toronto, bumps the Lakers one spot out of the playoffs at the end of Saturday.

While the early shots were coming from Laurentian, it was the Lakers with possession and who dictated the pace of the game.

After a scoreless first half, Nipissing broke the deadlock with a goal at the 66-minute.

Vanessa Rota made a beautiful on the outside, made a run and chipped the ball over the goaltender to give Nipissing the 1-0 lead.

The lead only last nine minutes, however, as the Vees tied the game at the 75-minute mark and the teams marched into the final stretch of the game all even again.

The winning goal from Laurentian came in the 90 th minute on a loose ball and shot that rocketed to the top of the net over Lakers goalkeeper Carlee Bennard, who was very good in her return to the lineup.

With just minutes left, Nipissing pushed, but was unable to create a quality scoring chances and came up a goal short.

The Lakers now trail Toronto for the final playoff spot in the East Division by three points, with both teams having played 10 games.

Nipissing hits the road next weekend for a pair of games on the Thanksgiving weekend, playing at UOIT and Trent on Saturday and Sunday.

Both games are key if the Lakers want to advance to the post-season.

Game times are schedule for Noon on both days, Saturday versus UOIT and Sunday against Trent.