Dan Miller said he doesn't overemphasize regular season games. The fourth-year Warsaw Community High School girls soccer coach, however, admitted Thursday night's clash with Northern Lakes Conference rival Concord has been circled on the calendar since the Lady Tigers lost 2-1 last year. Hosting the Lady Minutmen in a game with major conference-championship implications, Warsaw scored a goal in each half and reversed their fortunes this time around, winning 2-1. With the victory, which sent Warsaw's student section into a frenzied celebration on the field, the Lady Tigers improved to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in conference play, while Concord fell to 6-1-1 and 2-1. "It's been circled on the calendar since they beat us 2-1 last year," said Miller. "They were physical with us last year, and we lost our composure. We challenged the girls to play hard tonight and not lose their composure. This is a big win. I'm very proud of them." Entering Thursday's game, the Lady Tigers had outscored their opponents 19-1. Concord had twice as many shots on goal as Warsaw, 12-6, but the Lady Tigers doubled up the opposition where it mattered most - on the scoreboard. "Concord is a very good team," said Miller. "They returned 10 starters from a team that beat us 2-1 last year. We beat a very good team tonight. We didn't put together a lot of opportunities, but we did enough. This is a game we couldn't tie. We needed to win this game." Warsaw took an early lead when senior Emily Williamson scored an unassisted goal in the 15th minute. Concord evened things up and sent the game into a tie at halftime with senior Sara Tomasbi's goal in the 30th minute. It was just the second goal the Lady Tigers have given up this season. The Lady Tigers scored the game-winner in the 64th minute when junior Gabby Monroy converted an assist from senior Emma Dickerhoff. While Monroy scored the winning goal, sophomore Abby Schue made critical save after critical save. Schue was credited with 11 saves, while Concord junior Yohana Romero made four saves. "Abby Schue did a great job," said Miller. "Defensively, we've been rock solid all season. And Abby is a big part of that. It also helps that we have four-year starters in Olivia Coon and Caitlin Johnson." The Lady Tigers are in action again this weekend in the Pike Invitational. Warsaw opens play with West Lafayette.
