A late goal spoiled a great effort by the Nipissing Lakers men's soccer team Saturday afternoon.

After a slow start, the Lakers poured it on and controlled the play for the majority of the second half, but failed to capitalize and a late goal by the visiting Ryerson Rams gave them the victory and three points.

The teams exchanged goals in the first half before the Rams scored the lone goal in the final 45 minutes to escape with a 2-1 win.

The Rams scored early in the game, just eight minutes in, to grab the lead as they dictated the pace early on.

About midway through the half, Nipissing replied thanks to Jack Collins, who found the back of the net and evened things up.

The score remained 1-1 at halftime and through the better part of the second half until just minutes to go, when the Rams made no mistake on one of their few chances in the half.

Despite the late goal, Nipissing battled right until the final whistle, generating a few chances in the dying seconds, but it wasn't enough, as they fell by a goal.

Andrew Johnstone took the loss in net, making 7 saves.

Nipissing is back in action Sunday afternoon when they host the Toronto Varsity Blues at 2:15pm at Nipissing Field.