As described by first-year Warsaw coach Jon Hoover, Thursday evening’s girls soccer game with Homestead was a postseason game in the middle of the season.
It certainly had that feel, and in what could be a sectional matchup in Fort Wayne next month, the host Lady Tigers pulled out a thrilling 1-0 win over the Spartans.
Both teams had chances to score, but both teams’ defense, along with Warsaw goalie Chloe Snow and Homestead keeper Nicole Gerber, were up for the challenge.
The only breakthrough was junior Anna Grill’s goal in the 65th minute of the 80-minute match, a score that came on an assist from sophomore Brenna Buhrt.
“I think in the first half both teams were trying to feel each other out, trying to see where we’d be effective,” said Hoover, whose team improved to 5-2-1 on the season while Homestead fell to 3-2-1.
“Homestead is well-coached. They came with a game plan and they stuck with it. I’m really proud of the way our goals played tonight. This was like a postseason game in the middle of the season, so it was good for us to experience that now. It was a grinding game. I can’t say enough how proud I am of these girls for pushing through.
“It was a physical game on both sides, and for us to come out with a win against a quality team like that is definitely exciting for our program.”
Homestead entered the contest averaging five goals per game.
The Lady Tigers, however, earned their fourth consecutive shutout.
“As a team, we decided that we’re going to defend as 11,” said Hoover when asked about his defensive game plan. “When we earn a shutout, 11 players on the field and everyone on the bench earns it together.”
“For us, having our forwards check back and our midfielders check back and not just leave the defense to do the work, has been really key for us. Every shutout that we earn is a team shutout. There’s no way in an entire game that you’re not gonna get beat, so we pick each other up and help each other out.”
Snow made a save on a Homestead free kick early in the game that Hoover said “could have changed the landscape of the game.”
“Chloe has gotten better and better every day,” Hoover said of his senior keeper. “She had some injuries in the offseason where she’s just now coming to form. She’s catching the ball really clean. She had a great save in the first half on a free kick that was near post that she hung on to. She’s a senior, so she’s directing people back there. She’s just getting better and better every day.”
Thursday’s contest was the first of five consecutive home games for the Lady Tigers.
Warsaw will host Elkhart Memorial Tuesday, Concord Thursday, Noblesville on Sept. 9 and Fort Wayne Northrop on Sept. 11.
