It wasn't the start the Nipissing Lakers men's soccer team was looking for as they kicked off the 2016 OUA soccer season.

While they are battling a slew of early season injuries, the team won't use those as an excuse in their 5-0 loss to the Toronto Varsity Blues Friday afternoon.

The Blues scored early and often as they jumped out to a quick lead and cruised to the win.

Toronto scored four of their goals in the first half, with the eventual game-winner coming at just five minutes.

It was 2-0 after just 18 minutes, 3-0 after 23 and the final goal of the first half came at the 31 st minute as Toronto entered halftime with a comfortable lead.

The final goal came just one minutes into the second half, as Toronto, if they hadn't already, sealed the victory.

Grainger Munro was busy, but managed to make six saves in the loss, while Nathan Zak had a few quality chances, as did Christian Celebre.

Nipissing will look to bounce back Sunday, as the hit the road and head to Ryerson for a game with the Rams, who defeated Laurentian 1-0 Friday afternoon.

Game time is set for 2:15pm at Monarch Park.