MISHAWAKA – Warsaw boys soccer coach Scott Bauer said he believes his team has the two best goalkeepers on the field every game. With senior David Johnson sidelined with a knee injury suffered in last week's win over conference rival Plymouth, junior Michael Yantz looked like a brick wall Saturday, as the sixth-ranked Tigers won 1-0 at No. 10 Penn. Warsaw improved to 3-0-1 on the season, while the host Kingsmen fell to 3-1-1. "Michael played a great game," Bauer said of Yantz. "He played at a high level. I'm very happy with the way he played. I think we have the two best goalkeepers on the field. Unfortunately, one of them has to sit." Yantz recorded five saves in the game, while Penn senior goalkeeper Eric Bueter stopped seven Warsaw shots on goal, including two blasts in the second half that would have stretched the Tigers' lead. When all was said and done, it was Warsaw senior Jose Rodriguez's penalty kick in the 47th minute that won the physical contest. "Penn is a very good side," said Bauer. "They're strong and athletic. I was surprised early how physical they played us. They were able to put some passes together, but what they don't have, and what we do have, is a cutting-edge striker." Through four games, Warsaw has now outscored its opponents 18-4. The only goals the Tigers have given up this season came in a 4-4 tie in the season opener at Fort Wayne Concordia. Since then, Warsaw has defeated Fort Wayne Northrop 6-0, Plymouth 7-0 and handed Penn its first loss of the season. "This was our toughest contest to date," said Bauer. "I hope this is one we can build on." The Tigers will be in action again Wednesday, when they travel to conference rival Concord for a 6:45 p.m. contest.
NO. 6 WARSAW 1, NO. 10 PENN 0 Second Half W – Jose Rodriguez (penalty kick) 47th minute Shots on goal – Penn 8, Warsaw 9; Saves – Eric Bueter (Penn) 7, Michael Yantz (Warsaw) 5; Corner kicks – Penn 5, Warsaw 2; Records: Penn 3-1-1, Warsaw 3-0-1
