Warsaw Community High School boys soccer coach Scott Bauer said his team's goal every year is to win the Northern Lakes Conference championship.
The 19th-ranked Tigers took another step toward that goal Wednesday night, beating the visiting Concord Minutemen 1-0.
Warsaw, which has given up just one goal this season, improved to 5-0 overall and 2-0 in conference play."Our goal is to win the conference every year," said Bauer, whose team will be in action again Friday at Fort Wayne Blackhawk. "We've won it three times and had it taken away another time, it's something we strive for every year, and this was an important step. Concord is a quality team."
The visiting Mintuemen, who fell to 0-2 overall and 0-1 in NLC play, had some opportunities, but Warsaw senior Joey Hickerson's goal in the 21st minute proved to be the game winner.
Junior Xavier Arellanes assisted Hickerson on the goal.
After the loss, Concord coach Shawn McCuen was heard telling his players to keep their heads up.
It was as if the Minutemen, who had chances to score late in the game but couldn't get the ball past Warsaw junior keeper David Johnson, thought they should have won the game.
"I think they could have felt that way," said Bauer. "We were clearly outplayed. I didn't feel like we showed a lot of composure on the the ball. We got away from our passing game. We had too much individual play, we need to have more team play. We can't rely on being blessed."
The Tigers have outscored their opponents 8-1 through five games, and while Bauer was a little disappointed in his team's passing game, he was again pleased with the play of his backline and with Johnson's play in the net.
"David Johnson did a wonderful job," said Bauer. "He was constantly organizing things, and my back four defended well. Those guys have done a great job."
WARSAW 1, CONCORD 0
(Scoring)
W - Joey Hickerson (Xavier Arellanes assist) 21st minute
