LAKEWOOD — With a goal in the 12th minute of their non-conference game against Bellingham, the Lakewood boys soccer team mustered all the offense they needed.

Senior midfielder Steve Bingham scored an insurance goal in the 79th minute and the Cougars took care of the Red Raiders, shutting out their visitors 2-0 in the March 19 game.

Lakewood forward Evander Ochoa was credited with the game-winning goal, scoring on a through-ball pass by Jason Chase. Ochoa was sidelined for much of the rest of the game, due to an unfortunate slide by a Bellingham defender that left the Lakewood senior with a limp for the rest of the game.

Lakewood was also without the services of a younger Ochoa, sophomore defender Brandon, who was sidelined with illness. Nonetheless, the Lakewood defense stood up to Bellingham’s challenge, a little wiser as they begin their league schedule.

“It’s good for the defense,” said Lakewood coach Vaughn Vandelac. “Facing a team like this early on makes them realize they gotta prepare more.”

Without the elder Ochoa, Bellingham put Lakewood on defense for portions of the second half but was unable to get the ball past senior goalkeeper James Hoback, who ably tended the net. Bellingham had an opportunity to score in the 56th minute when Hoback came out of the net to defend the ball, but senior defender Quinten Baldwin kicked away the Raiders’ attempt.

Bingham’s goal came on a pass from junior forward Joseph Hawkins.

Vandelac added that the team was just glad to come away from the game with a win.

“These guys were aggressive and our guys agreed they didn’t play their best,” Vandelac said.

League began March 23 against South Whidbey with another home game March 27 vs. King’s.