Box Score 1 | Box Score 2
They had been close, but close wasn't cutting it for the Nipissing Lakers men's soccer team until this past weekend.

The Lakers had been playing very good soccer lately, keeping pace with nationally ranked teams, but they didn't see the results.

That changed on the road this weekend, as the Lakers picked up a pair of key victories, defeating the Trent Excalibur and UOIT Ridgebacks.

Saturday was a high-scoring affair, as the teams combined for seven goals.

Nipissing got off to a quick start as Tyrell Chambers opened up the scoring just a few minutes into the game, but Trent replied five minutes later.

The Lakers scored twice more before halftime as Ryan Roy and Jack Collins found the back of the net to give Nipissing a 3-1 lead at halftime.

Nathan Zak, who also picked up an assist, made it 4-1 Lakers early in the second half – that goal proved to be the game-winner as Trent stormed back late in the game.

Trent scored twice late in the game, but Nipissing hung on to claim the victory.

Andrew Johnstone picked up the victory in net.

On Sunday, it was a different story, as the Lakers managed to hold UOIT to eight shots as Johnstone recorded the shutout.

Cody Vaillancourt scored late in the game, in the final minutes, set up by Collins, to give Nipissing the full three points and a perfect weekend.

Nipissing is now 5-5-0 on the season and in fifth spot in the East Division, just three points behind Queens with a game in hand.

The Lakers now host Trent and UOIT in a rematch of this weekend.

Game times are set for 2:15pm Friday versus Trent and Saturday versus UOIT.