The good news; the Nipissing Lakers men's soccer team earned a point. The bad news; it should have been three.

The Lakers and Trent Excalibur battled to a 2-2 draw Friday afternoon at Nipissing Field in North Bay, but if the Lakers would have been able to capitalize on even half of their chances, they would have easily come away with the win.

Nipissing dominated the first half, but only managed three shots on goal.

Their best chances missed by inches, trickled wide or were blocked in front.

They did get on the board in the 12th minute, however, when a hand-ball was called on a Trent defender setting up a penalty kick for veteran Jamal Brown.

Brown made no mistake, powering the ball to the back of the net and giving Nipissing a 1-0 lead.

Trent replied just before halftime, evening the game up 1-1, sending the teams to the break all square.

The second half was much faster-paced than the first, the teams trading chances and moving the ball quickly up and down the field.

The Excalibur took the lead with a goal in the 63rd minute, putting Nipissing on their heels for a stretch.

The equalizer for the Lakers came 15 minutes later when Will Tsilkas found a loose ball at the side of the net and neatly tucked it home to tie the game.

Nathan Zak had sent the ball towards the net, earning the assist on the goal.

Both teams pressed for the winner, but settled for a single point and the tie.

Andrew Johnstone finished with three saves, with the final shots favouring Nipissing 7-5.

Nipissing will look to strengthen their position in the standings and secure a playoff spot when they host the UOIT Ridgebacks Saturday at 2:15pm.