After a tough season, it would be easy for the Nipissing Lakers men's soccer team to just play out the schedule.

Things haven't gone the way they planned or hoped this year, but they showed their heart this weekend at home, losing a tight game to the top team in the OUA in Ryerson and fighting back to earn a draw with another nationally ranked team, the Carleton Ravens.

A late goal by Alex Zero, some great hustle and effort, along with some key saves from Nicholas Cirullo allowed the Lakers to tie the Ravens 1-1.

The Ravens scored early, just four minutes into the game today to go up 1-0 – a start that was similar to Nipissing's Saturday versus Ryerson.

This time, however, the Lakers were able to keep their poise and hold the powerful Ravens to just the one goal.

Despite a number of good runs, some chances and close calls, it took until the 88-minute mark for Nipissing to break through.

Alex Zero finished off a nice free kick from Neil Van De Walle and snuck the ball into the net for his first of the season.

The goal and some late defending ensured the Lakers would walk away with a point this weekend against two of the better teams in the OUA, as well as the CIS.

Ryerson and Carleton entered with a combined record of 23-2-2 and while Ryerson grabbed a victory over Nipissing, Carleton wasn't able to.

Nipissing has officially been eliminated from playoff contention, but will close out the season with a pair of home games – Saturday versus Queens and Sunday against RMC.

Kickoff for both games will be 2:15pm at the Education Centre Field at Nipissing University.