WEST CANAAN — Based on the final score, it would be natural to think second-ranked Mascoma’s 4-1 win over seventh-seeded Stevens in a NHIAA Division III boys soccer quarterfinal on Saturday was one-sided affair. But as is often the case, the score doesn’t tell the full story.

The undefeated Royals (12-0-4) entered the contest fresh off of a 6-0 victory over Raymond in the first round that saw senior captain Tanner Moulton and Brayden Pierce combine for four goals.

Meanwhile, Stevens (8-4-5) was coming off of a close 2-1 victory over Derryfield thanks to goals from Logan Minckler and Joey Ruffin and assists from Connor Miller.

The teams’ regular-season game ended in a scoreless draw, and the Cardinals would once again prove to be a game opponent in the first half.

Despite being outshot 8-2, it was Stevens that capitalized off their opportunities when forward Eli Schneider scored unassisted on a strike that ricocheted off both posts before trickling past Mascoma goalkeeper Matt Favreau.

The game went to halftime with the visitors in the lead.

“They came out flying in the first 10 minutes,” Mascoma head coach Stuart Kinsman said after the game. “They got a lucky bounce you know, ball goes off two goalposts ... and, you know, they deserved it. They were working hard, and I’m surprised they didn’t get one sooner.”

It took until the midway point of the second half for the Royals to turn the tide. Junior Connor Hemmerling drilled a deep volley past Stevens goalie Nevin Marsh to tie the game.

Less than five minutes later, Mascoma took the lead as junior Landon Ramirez headed the ball in off a header assist from senior Reuben Demsmore. Marsh had no chance to save it.

With less than five minutes left in the game and Stevens pressing for a tying score, senior Bryce Porter tallied back-to-back goals to provide the winning margin. The first came off a breakaway that forced Marsh to come out to defend. Less than two minutes later, Porter got a fast-break opportunity and dribbled past multiple Stevens defenders to score.

“We were fortunate to get up a goal because they had a few chances,” Stevens head coach Jason Stone said. “They have a pretty high-powered offensive attack. Second half, we knew they were coming at us. But it doesn’t take much for mental or toughness kind of breakdowns for them to score.”

Marsh finished the game with 14 saves on 18 shots. Favreau played just as well for Mascoma, saving six of seven shots.

“We have plenty of talent. We have plenty of skill. We’ve been working on our cohesion all season long. And ultimately, it’s just going to come down to mental pressure of it,” Kinsman said of the team moving forward in the playoffs.

Mascoma faces third-seeded Prospect Mountain in the semifinals on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. at Bedford High School.