It wasn't for a lack of trying, a lack of effort or a lack of commitment, but the Nipissing Lakers men's soccer team came up short Saturday afternoon.

The Lakers pushed and pressured the UOIT Ridgebacks, but a lone UOIT goal in the first half – less than 20 minutes in – proved to the enough to send the Lakers to a fifth loss in six outings this year.

The teams started slow and much of the game was played in the middle of the field, with few great scoring chances throughout the 90 minutes.

Each team found a way to get pressure and put the ball towards the net, however, it wasn't until the 17 th minute when the 0-0 tie would change.

UOIT put together some solid ball movement and was able to send the ball into the six-yard box where they popped home the loose ball to give them what would eventually be the game-winner.

For the next 73 minutes, the teams traded chances, runs on the outside and pressure, but the lone goal stood up as the winner.

Nipissing has been playing better since a tough start as they were plagued by injuries, however, they have only managed six goals in six games and it has come back to haunt them.

Defensively and in net, led by Grainger Munro, haven't been the issue – it's the offence that hasn't built up much momentum to this point.

Munro was solid in net Saturday, making six saves.

Nipissing has dropped their past two games, but have a chance to bounce back and snap their small losing streak against Trent Sunday.

Trent comes to town with just one win under their belts, much like the Lakers, but sit with four points, one up on Nipissing due to a tie versus Queens earlier in the year.

Game time is set for 2:15pm Sunday.