MIDDLEBURY – A talented Northridge team, poor field conditions and an hour-long delay for lightning slowed Warsaw's varsity boys soccer team Thursday night. Not enough, however, to keep the Class 2A eighth-ranked Tigers from claiming their second-straight outright Northern Lakes Conference championship. Senior Corey Lopez scored on an assist from junior Nate Kolbe in the 34th minute, and Warsaw made it hold up as the Tigers went on to win 1-0. "It was a well-contested match," said Warsaw coach Scott Bauer. "Northridge is a strong side. I thought we put together some nice opportunities, and if we could have put another goal in, we could have had an easier way out. Winning the conference wasn't easy." With the win, Warsaw improved 13-3-1 overall and 7-0 in NLC play, while Northridge fell to 9-5-2 and 5-2. Since a loss at Northridge two years ago, the Tigers have won 14-straight NLC games, posting back-to-back 7-0 conference records. As if winning 14-straight NLC games isn't impressive enough, Warsaw has outscored the conference by a dominating total of 45-3 the past two seasons. The Tigers outscored the rest of the conference 14-1 last year and 31-2 this season. Concord and Elkhart Memorial scored one goal each against Warsaw this year, while NorthWood managed one goal last season. "This is a strong conference," said Bauer. "It's an accomplishment to win this conference. I think defense our is playing better. And some of that has to do with the fact that we possess the ball so well and put opportunities together." In Thursday's win, Warsaw had eight shots on goal to Northridge's four. Lopez's first-half goal broke Warsaw's school record for goals in a season. Lopez, already the school's career leading scorer, now has 21 goals this season. He broke the tie he was in with current University of Evansville player Jesse Sharp. "Nate Kolbe did a nice job turning the corner and finding Corey with a nice pass," said Bauer. "And Corey did a wonderful job placing the ball." While Lopez set a school record, Warsaw senior goalie David Johnson set a state record for career shutouts. Johnson has posted 42.5 shutouts in his varsity career, breaking the previous record of 42 set by Washington High School's Smith (2001-2004). With the regular season now behind them, the Tigers turn their attention to the state tournament. Warsaw, which advanced to the state finals last year, will host the sectional beginning Monday. The Tigers are in search of their ninth championship in 10 years. "I like where we're at right now," Bauer said of his team's momentum heading into tournament play. "It's going to take a very lucky team or a very good team to take us out."
WARSAW 1, NORTHRIDGE 0 First Half Corey Lopez (Nate Kolbe assist) 34th minute Shots on goal - Warsaw 8, Northridge 4; Corner kicks – Warsaw 4, Northridge 6; Saves - David Johnson (War) 4, Connor Hahn (NR) 5, Juan Luna (NR) 2; Records: Warsaw 13-3-1 (7-0 NLC), Northridge 9-5-2 (5-2 NLC) JV – Warsaw 2, Northridge 2
