Calloway County netted the go-ahead goal in the 66th minute, then held off Hopkinsville 2-1 Wednesday night in boys’ soccer action at the Stadium of Champions.
The Lakers (4-1) grabbed an early lead in the 8th minute when Dalton Puckett followed a rebound off a shot from Freeman Reinhardt.
Calloway probably felt like it should have built some breathing room in the first half.
However, one blast clanged off the crossbar while, later, Hoptown goalkeeper Tim Marvel made a diving save after it looked like the Lakers had an opportunity at an empty net.
Hopkinsville (1-4) drew even early in the second half. Ryan Lawrence got a step on the defense and scored from the left side, putting a shot off the far post and into the net. That came in the 43rd minute and knotted the score at 1-1.
The game was played on pretty even footing the rest of the way, but a penalty gave Calloway a long free kick in the 66th minute.
Jude Bazzell took full advantage, lifting a shot from about 40 yards out that got over the keeper and into the net to push Calloway in front 2-1.
Hoptown had chances to tie the match again. The best came in the 73rd minute when the Tigers were awarded a free kick from just outside the box on the left side.
Josh Hermosillo got off a strong shot, but Laker keeper Landon Houk was able to tip the ball over the crossbar, preserving Calloway’s lead.
Calloway held a 21-17 advantage in shots in the contest.
Houk finished with 10 saves for the Lakers while Marvel made eight stops for Hoptown.
The match was originally set for Tuesday, but a lack of available referees forced the schools to postpone the contest one day.
