There was no shortage of drama at the Omischl Sports Complex Sunday afternoon as the Nipissing Lakers men's soccer team went in search of their second win of the season.

In a back and forth, physical game, the Lakers and Trent Excalibur played to a 2-2 draw thanks to some late heroics by William Tsilkas and great determination by the whole Nipissing team.

After teams traded goals in the first half, the Lakers looked destined to fall short, but a goal by Tsilkas in the 88 th minute salvaged a draw and a single point for Nipissing.

The offence kicked off about midway through the first half as Nathan Zak rifled home a giveaway by the Trent goalie and kicked it into an almost-empty net to give the Lakers a 1-0 lead.

It was Zak's first OUA goal of his young career.

Ten minutes later, the Excalibur tied it on a loose ball that hung around the crease and was tapped in by Nate McMurray.

The teams played even and generated a number of chances for the next 60 minutes, but there were no goals to report until the final seven minutes of the game when both teams struck.

Trent went ahead in the 83 rd minute on a free kick just outside the 18-yard box on a controversial call.

Down late, the Lakers threw all they had at the Trent goal and off a bounce, Tsilkas potted his first of the season, tying the game and earning his team a point.

The draw snapped the Lakers mini two game losing streak, as they are now 1-1-2 in their past four.

Despite surrendering two goals, Nicholas Cirullo was very good in the Lakers net, making some huge saves with the scored tied 1-1.

Nipissing has just the one game on the schedule next weekend, heading to Ottawa to face the Carleton Ravens in an important game.

The Ravens sit in second place in the East Division, while the Lakers are currently on the outside of the playoff picture, but can gain ground with solid efforts the next few weekends.

Despite the slow start, Nipissing is just three points out of the final playoff position.

Game time is set for 2:15pm at Keith Harris Stadium.