STOW — Conceding a goal in the first minute can be difficult to overcome.

That’s exactly what happened to Stow in the boys soccer district semifinals against Lakewood on Wednesday at Bulldogs Soccer Stadium.

“It didn’t help the cause,” Stow coach Kyle Kosmala said. “It’s good that we counterattacked. I thought our defense played well today and swarmed well. What happened was that two very close teams played a great game and we ended up in a bad situation.”

Lakewood scored a goal in the 66th minute from Liam Kim to win 2-1 and eliminate Stow (7-6-3). The Rangers (10-5-2) advanced and faced North Canton Hoover in the Division II Northeast 3 final on Saturday.

Roger Allen (right) of Stow scores on a corner kick against Lakewood in the first half of the boys soccer district semifinal at Stow-Munroe Falls High School, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2024.Roger Allen (right) of Stow scores on a corner kick against Lakewood in the first half of the boys soccer district semifinal at Stow-Munroe Falls High School, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2024.

Roger Allen (right) of Stow scores on a corner kick against Lakewood in the first half of the boys soccer district semifinal at Stow-Munroe Falls High School, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2024.

Stow didn’t fall asleep in the first minute, but a few missed shots thwarted his plans.

Rangers had a shot from close range which Stow goalkeeper Christian Faulconer saved, but Isaac Cracium cleared the ball away from close range with just 50 seconds remaining.

It was a rough night for Faulconer, who had to leave the field midway through the first half after taking a knee to the face. He and Aiden Powes teamed up to save.

After the initial shock, Stow played some of his best football in the final 20 minutes of the first half. In the 21st minute they equalized after a set piece.

Stow won a corner and Noah Levick passed the ball to the back post. Defender Rogan Allen hit the post with his header and it was already 1-1.

Both teams had chances in the second half, but Lakewood scored the winning goal on a counter-attack.

The Rangers defense blocked three straight shots and the ball went clear to the right. Lakewood moved the ball to the left, where Kim found himself alone. He shot high into the right corner.

Stow pressed again to equalize but had their best chance in the last 10 minutes.

Lakewood finished the match with a 6-5 advantage in shots on goal, while Stow led in corner shots 5-4.

Stow's Alex Kuhlke drives for Lakewood in the first period of the Stow-Munroe Falls High School boys soccer district semifinal, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2024.Stow's Alex Kuhlke drives for Lakewood in the first period of the Stow-Munroe Falls High School boys soccer district semifinal, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2024.

Stow’s Alex Kuhlke drives for Lakewood in the first period of the Stow-Munroe Falls High School boys soccer district semifinal, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2024.

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Lakewood boys soccer eliminates Stowa with a 2-1 victory

Rangers’ goal in the second half turned out to be decisive in the course of the match. Stow finishes the season with a 7-6-3 record.

GOAL: Lakewood counterattacks Stow and regains the lead in the 65th minute

Lakewood took the lead after a bit of counter-attack.

After Stow blocked three straight shots into the Rangers box, Lakewood raced the other way. Rangers moved down the right side of the field before moving the ball to the left side, where Liam Kim hit a high shot into the net. Lakewood leads 2-1 with 14:45 left on the clock.

Lakewood pressured Stow, but the score was still tied early in the second half

Lakewood enjoyed their best spell of possession of the match, winning a corner. Rangers had several chances but the Stow defense blocked two forward shots before the third went over the bar. In the 53rd minute the score is 1:1.

Stow boys soccer tied Lakewood 1-1 at halftime

Lakewood took an early lead on a deflected goal by Isaac Cracium in the first minute, but Stow equalized in the 21st minute on a Rogan Allen header. The score is 1-1 at halftime.

Halftime stats – Shots on goal: Stow 4-2; Fouls 6-6; Miscellaneous: Stow 4-1. Saves: Christian Faulconer (S) 1, Louis Van der Kull (L), 3.

GOAL: Stow Boys Football equalizes from a corner kick against Lakewood

Stow made it 1-1 after a textbook set piece.

After a corner kick in the 21st minute, Noah Levik picked up the ball from the near side. He sent the ball to the back post and Rogan Allen headed just wide of the post. With 19:13 remaining in the first half, the score is 1-1.

Stow gets his first chance against Lakewood

The Bulldogs calmed down after a shocking early goal. Alex Kuhlke shot from distance, but Lakewood’s Louis Van der Kull saved. Lakewood still leads 1-0 in the 13th minute.

Lakewood takes the lead in the first minute of the Stow boys soccer game

Lakewood didn’t have to wait long to find the back of the net. Rangers had a hard shot from an angle that Stow goalkeeper Christian Faulconer parried, but Lakewood’s Isaac Craciun deflected and hit the goal. Lakewood leads 1-0 with 39:10 left in the first half.

What to look for in Stow-Lakewood boys soccer

Stow coach Kyle Kosmala has been leading the Bulldogs for 25 years. Lakewood is coached by Andrew Toth.

Starting lineups:

  • Stow – Rogan Allen (D), Ari Dulta (M), Christian Faulconer (GK), Alex Kuhlke (F), Connor Mihalyov (M) Sean Rhoades (D), Evan Butler (D), Amari Darrow (M), Mateo Garduno (center), Noah Levik (center), Rayhan Harouna-Moussa (center).

  • Lakewood – Louis Van der Kull (GK), Ayodele Adigun (D), Bukuru Bafukamire (D), Issac Carcius (M), Butoto Bufukamire (F), Quincey Zvomuya (M), Mooler Dah (M), Camden Fegley (F ), Liam Kim (M), Lawrence Moore (F).

This article originally appeared on the Akron Beacon Journal: Stow vs. High School boys soccer results. Lakewood OHSAA, updates