Second-Half Goal Lifts Tigers

In the words of Warsaw boys soccer coach Scott Bauer, junior Scott Evans' goal Thursday against Northridge was "timely, to say the least."

After not converting a number of opportunities in the first half, and surviving a number of missed Northridge attempts in the second half, Evans scored an unassisted goal 69 minutes into the 80-minute game that gave the undefeated Tigers a 1-0 win at the City-County Athletic Complex.

"I think we had the better play," said Bauer, whose Tigers improved to 13-0-1 on the season. "We had chances, we just didn't put them in. We took care of one finally. We knew Northridge. It was timely, to say the least."

Not until Evans laced a 30-yard bender into the right corner.

Evans' goal not only gave the Tigers the win after they went into a kill-the-clock style of play, but also guaranteed Tuesday's game at Plymouth will be for the Northern Lakes Conference championship.

The Tigers are now 5-0 in NLC action, while Plymouth is undefeated but did play to a draw with Northridge.

Thursday's loss dropped Northridge to 8-3-2 overall on the season and 3-2-1 in the NLC.

While Warsaw controlled the game in the first half, momentum's gate swung Northridge's way midway through the second half.

The Raiders, however, couldn't convert.

One long attempt bounced in front of the goal and over. A number of others were stopped by Tiger keeper Adam Churchill or clanked off the sidepost.

"Northridge, we knew they would have a good team," said Bauer. "They're a sound side, probably one of the best sides we'll see all year. They were favored to win the conference at the beginning of the year. They have a lot of team speed. Their speed caused us to make adjustments and play in a different system."

Churchill made seven saves, while Northridge keeper Will Weed made six saves. The Raiders had seven corner kicks to Warsaw's four. The Tigers had seven free kicks to Northridge's four.

Warsaw is in action again Saturday at 7 p.m., when it hosts rival Wawasee for senior night. The game also marks the first scheduled night game at the CCAC.

WARSAW 1, NORTHRIDGE 0

Goal - Austin Evans (unassisted) 69th minute

Saves - Adam Churchill (Warsaw) 7, Will Weed (Northridge) 6

Corner kicks - Northridge 7, Warsaw 4

Free kicks - Warsaw 7, Northridge 4

Records: Warsaw 13-0-1, 5-0 NLC; Northridge 8-3-2, 3-2-1 NLC

JV - Northridge 3, Warsaw 0