Lakewood’s Antino Bellizzi scored in the second minute of the match and that was it for the offense as the Cougars nipped the visiting Coupeville soccer team 1-0 Friday, March 22.

Coach Paul Mendes said, “The early goal was a bit of a shocker, but we recovered well to even out the game and take it to them right to the end.”

Unfortunately for the Wolves, they couldn’t punch home the equalizer though they had some chances.

Mendes said, “Jeremy Copenhaver, who was ill the last game was back, and that helped stabilize our midfield play. We created more scoring opportunities than in last game, so we are making progress.”

One of Coupeville’s best scoring chances came on a “spectacular overhead bicycle kick by Sean Donnelly from 12 yards,” according to Mendes. Had the Cougar keeper not recorded the save, it would have been “the goal of the year,” Mendes said.

He added, “Kole Kellison had a good game in goal for us, and our defense put in a solid effort shutting them out the entire second half.”

Lakewood is now 1-1 in Cascade Conference play and 1-1-2 overall.

The Wolves (0-2, 0-3) play South Whidbey (0-0-1) at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, at Mickey Clark Field.