Warren Central and South Warren do battle on the pitch with the 4th Region title on the line
Warren Central (9-3-1) vs. South Warren (12-1-1)
October 22, 2020 – 6:00pm – Greenwood High School
By Perry Swack
From 2000 to 2015, either Bowling Green or Greenwood took home the region title and advanced to play in the state tournament. Those two programs seemingly had a stranglehold on area soccer, not only winning the region championship, but also advancing deep into the state tournament. Bowling Green won the state title in 2006 and 2014, while Greenwood advanced to the championship game in 2009.
However, starting in 2016, neither program has been able to make it back to the state tournament. South Warren won the 4th Region crown in 2016 and 2018, while Warren Central advanced to the state tournament in 2017 and 2019. 2020 will provide these two upstart programs the opportunity to further cement themselves as the class of the region. Calling these teams “upstarts” is actually disrespectful considering where they stand amidst the state’s best soccer programs. South Warren is currently ranked second statewide in the KHSAA RPI ratings. In the Maher Rankings, South Warren checks in at #7 and Warren Central is #11.
2020 Meetings
September 17 – South Warren 3 @ Warren Central 1
October 14 – Warren Central 1 vs. South Warren 0 – 14th District Championship
In the regular season meeting, Central scored first when senior Jimmy Estrada found Leonce Ndikumana in the 36th minute. However, the Spartans tied the game two minutes later when junior Kiram Mujic netted a pass from Anthomy Cano just before halftime. The game settled briefly in the early parts of the second half before South caught fire. Cano tallied another assist, this time finding Ajlin Alemic for a goal to give the Spartans a 2-1 lead. Three minutes later, Cano found the back of the net himself, this time off of an Eldin Velic pass, giving SWHS a 3-1 lead it would not relinquish.
In the district title game, the Dragons got another early lead – this one in the first minute of the match. Estrada received a pass from midfielder Lah Moo before cutting into the box and scoring past an outstretched Tayshaun Jones in goal. This time the goal would be enough as the Dragon defense hunkered down to keep the attack-minded Spartans at bay. South outshot Central 16-9 on the night, but coach Tom Alexander’s boys were unable to find an equalizer. WC goalkeeper Erick Nzoribala secured eight saves in the win.
Players to Watch
Warren Central employs an incredibly balanced attack, with five players recording at least five goals in this shortened season. Senior winger Jimmy Estrada’s five goals are tied for second on the team, while his eight assists entering the region tournament were tops for his squad. Coach Aaron Ray often mentions his team’s defense as the key to Dragons’ success, so look no further than senior centerback Kenan Gagulic to make an impact in tonight’s proceedings.
For the Spartans, senior Anthony Cano comes to mind. The midfielder seems to impact the game like few players can, leading the team in assists while also having a nose for the goal. As Cano goes, so does South. Senior forward Edin Velic is scintillating in the open field, leading the team in goals scored with 16 entering the region semifinals. He scored a hat-trick in the region quarterfinals.
Preview and Prediction
Who will win its third region championship in five seasons? Last season, South Warren defeated Warren Central twice in the regular season before losing to the Dragons in both the 14th District and 4th Region championship games. History could repeat itself, as South won the regular season meeting before losing in the district finale in 2020.
If the game becomes a scoring fest, it certainly favors the Spartans. However, if it becomes a defensive clinic – which I predict it will – it will become a toss-up. South Warren has only allowed seven goals all season, with Warren Central not far behind at 12. If the fullbacks and midfielders of Central – notably Nae Reh and Luis Rodriguez – can build a strong attack for the Dragons, it may give players like Estrada and Eldin Delic the opportunity to strike first. If WC can secure an early goal, it will be well on its way to victory.
I predict that the first half will be played to a 0-0 tie, and around the hour-mark we will still have a scoreless game. Around the 65th minute, a corner kick will be played into Central’s Gagulic, and though his header will be blocked by South keeper Tayshaun Jones, the rebound will fall to Estrada who will give Central the lead. The Spartan attack will then increase with pressure, as they look for the equalizer. A free kick with mere seconds remaining will go just wide and the Dragons will repeat as region champions.
Warren Central 1, South Warren 0
