Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
ARGOS -ÊThe Warsaw boys soccer team was listed as the visitors on the scoreboard at the Argos Sectional Saturday night, but once the game started the Tigers looked right at home on the field.
Warsaw picked up a 1-0 win over Plymouth to earn a spot in Wednesday night's regional at Argos.
The Tigers faced off against the Rockies in a very physical defensive battle. After the first half of play, the game was knotted in a scoreless tie.
The match remained scoreless until just 13:32 remained in the game. At that point, Warsaw's Austin Evans kicked the ball at Plymouth's goalie, and the ball dribbled into the goal, putting the Tigers up 1-0.
The Tiger defense held the Rockies scoreless through the rest of the contest to earn their first trip to the regional since 1997.
"I don't think we played our strongest game of the sectional out there," said Warsaw coach Scott Bauer. "Plymouth did some things to make us work very hard, and that probably had something to do with it."
Warsaw's 1-0 win marked its third consecutive shutout and its 12th of the season. The Tiger defnese did not allow a goal in sectional play.
As in the other two sectional games, Warsaw's defense was key in the victory.
"I have to give credit to our back three on the field again," said Bauer. "We have four guys that switch into the position, and they played very well. Nick Bruick, Matt Scheuer, Jordan Dotson and Nate Kline played very well back there."
Another set of Tiger players also picked up the intensity for the Warsaw team Saturday night as well.
"I thought Riley Fuller and Andrew Sawyer played outstanding defense," said Bauer. "They did a great job disrupting Plymouth's midfield. They were very aggressive on the ball."
But Bauer was quick to point out that the entire Warsaw team played a strong game.
"I am proud of the entire team," he said. "We could not seem to put anything in in the first half, but they continued to apply pressure throughout the entire game."
Bauer is also quick to give credit to his seniors.
"The seniors on this team have worked hard for four years," said Bauer. "They have worked hard in the offseason, and that is part of the reason they are seeing success right now. I give a lot of credit to this senior class."
The Warsaw squad now looks forward to playing in the Argos Regional Wednesday night at 7 p.m. The Tigers will face off against Concord, a team they defeated 2-0 earlier this season.
WARSAW 1, PLYMOUTH 0
Warsaw goal - Austin Evans
Corner kicks -ÊWarsaw 4, Plymouth 3
Shots -ÊWarsaw 12, Plymouth 4
Shots on goal -ÊWarsaw 5, Plymouth 0
Fouls -ÊWarsaw 23, Plymouth 11
Yellow cards -ÊWarsaw 3, Plymouth 1
Goal kicks -ÊWarsaw 3, Plymouth 4
Saves - Warsaw 0, Plymouth 4
