It wasn't the season the Nipissing Lakers men's soccer team envisioned when training camp began in August, but they did manage to finish on a high note Sunday afternoon.
The Lakers used a strong goaltending performance, goals from veterans and a complete 90-minute effort to defeat the RMC Paladins 3-0 to close out the 2016 regular season with a win.
Nathan Zak and
Neil Van De Walle led the attack with two points each – Zak had a goal and an assist, while Van De Walle had two assists for Nipissing.
It took 54 minutes before either team found the back of the net, as they both played solid defensively in the first half.
Zak scored what would end up being the winner, finishing off a feed from Van De Walle.
About eight minutes later, Will Tsilkas made it 2-0 Nipissing, as he was on the other end of a Zak pass to find the back of the net.
With the game seemingly in control, the Lakers closed out the year in style, adding another goal with three minutes left on the clock.
Graduating player
Andy Bago finished off a corner kick from Van De Walle.
Bago's header was perfectly placed into the corner of the net to add the third goal and secure the win and three points for the Lakers.
Grainger Munro made six saves to pick up the shutout and victory, ending his career with the Lakers flawlessly.
Nipissing finished with a record of 2-11-3, good for nine points, while going 1-2-2 in their final five outings.