Against a team with just one loss and the top team in the OUA, the Nipissing Lakers men's soccer team certainly didn't look out of place.

Unfortunately, hanging around and being competitive didn't earn them the victory Saturday afternoon.

The Lakers came out on the wrong side of a 3-1 decision to the powerful Ryerson Rams, who improved to 14-1 on the season.

The Rams used a goal at the 7-minte mark and another one 14 minutes late to open up an early 2-0 lead on the Lakers, who hung tough despite having a short bench due to injuries.

Nipissing would get one back and close the gap as Cody Vaillancourt scored his third goal of the season.

Some late pressure wouldn't result in a goal, however, and the Rams put the game away with another goal at the 79 minute mark to seal the win and the three points.

Off free kicks, the Lakers generated some chances, especially in the second half, as Neil Van De Walle was able to put the ball into dangerous spots, but the Rams did well to clear the ball.

Darius Tignanelli was also dangerous for Nipissing, playing in a different positions due to a formation change.

Both goalkeepers were solid, with Nipissing's Grainger Munro making 11 saves in the loss.

The Lakers will look to bounce back quickly, as they face the third place Carleton Ravens Sunday afternoon.

The Ravens had just one loss on their record, to go along with two draws and nine wins.

The Lakers and Ravens will clash Sunday afternoon at 2:15pm at the Education Centre Field at Nipissing University.