August 29, 2006 Source: :
http://www.nipissingu.ca/news/view.asp?ID=20060805 Lakers return from Montreal with wins The Nipissing University Lakers soccer teams are putting the final touches on their rosters as they prepare to begin the regular season this weekend at the Education Centre Field The Laker squads took to the road this past weekend to play some exhibition matches finishing with 1-1-1 records respectively. Friday the Lady Lakers scored a 2-1 victory over Concordia University. The Lakers controlled the match and could have easily won the match by 4 or 5 goals if they would have capitalized on their opportunities. "The ladies played a good game today, especially after a six hour bus trip," said head coach Vito Castiglione. "We saw many positive things from our rookies. It was a solid team effort." Nicole O’Brien and Lauren Glover provided the offense for the Lakers. Saturday, the scenario was very different as the Lakers put forth a solid start however the strong Laval team took over the match by controlling possession. The Ladies were then forced to chase as the Laval team speed proved difficult to defend. Laval beat Nipissing 5-1. "We were very flat today," said Castiglione. "Our energy and intensity level was not good. Unforced errors proved costly today." O’Brien was the lone scorer for the Lakers. Sunday the Lakers rebounded with a 2-2 draw against Concordia. Glover and Didiane Chollet provided the offense for the Lakers squad. "We came to play today and it showed," added Castiglione. "We played well today and are looking to carry this into Saturday’s game against Carleton. The Lakers were up 2-0 in the second half however couldn’t maintain the lead and with two minutes left in the contest Concordia scored their second goal to even the match. On the men’s side the Lakers started slowly in the first pre-season match of the year. Nipissing fell behind early in the game to a strong UQAM team but started gaining some momentum later in the match. In the end, the UQAM squad shutout the Lakers 3-0. Saturday proved to be a different story for the Lakers as they came out with a renewed intensity and determination and shutout Concordia 5-0. "We started to play better in the second game," said head coach Peter Bitonti. "Our touches and energy level was much better today." Cam Culbert scored a pair of goals while Brandon Adams, Nick Giordano and Alea Mohammad Nyangando each added one. In the final contest the Lakers drew a 1-1 tie with Concordia. The contest was an opportunity for the coaching staff to provide some valuable playing time and experience for the rookie players. "This was a very good opportunity for the rookies to gain some valuable experience," said Bitonti. "It allowed the coaching staff a chance to observe some of their skills in a game situation." Culbert had the Lakers only goal. The Lakers hope to put it all together when they face a tough test in their opening match of the year as they face the defending OUA champions Carleton Ravens on Saturday September 2, at 12 p.m. followed by the women at 2 p.m. The Lady Lakers will host the Ottawa Gee Gees Sunday September 3, at 1 p.m.
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