Danielle Hutcherson (No. 2) works the ball with teammate Vanessa Malagon versus Concord Thursday night. Hutcherson scored the lone goal in a big 1-0 NLC win for the Tigers (Photos by Amanda Farrell)

WARSAW – The Warsaw girls soccer team went toe-to-toe with league rival Concord Thursday night.

In the end it was the foot of Danielle Hutcherson that made the difference for the Tigers.

Hutcherson blasted home the game winning goal from about 40 yards out to give the host Tigers a key 1-0 Northern Lakes Conference win.

Hutcherson, a junior captain for Warsaw, nailed the game winner in the 49th minute off an assist from Brooklyn Jackson.

“The girls fought all night and I am extremely proud of their efforts,” said first-year Warsaw coach Peter Lucht in an email late Thursday night.  “This match had everything from crunching tackles to heroic saves and a phenomenal goal vs. a rival team.  And it ended in a combined prayer by both teams in the middle of the field in a good show of faith and sportsmanship.”

The Tigers, who improve to 5-2-2 overall and 3-1-1 in the NLC, managed 14 shots in the win.

Standout keeper Abby Schue posted the shutout in goal for the Tigers with three saves.

Lucht cited the play of Hutcherson, Jackson, Elizabeth VanWormer, Clair Snodgrass, Pam Miller and Julie Frazzetta. He also praised the work of Schue in goal and defensive leaders Zoe Smyth, Vanessa Malagon, Breck Jackson and Rachel McClelland.

“Both the Varsity and the JV had well-fought, hard-earned wins tonight,” added Lucht.  “They dug deep and walked off the field holding their heads high, filled with the knowledge that they gave their all tonight, and, of course, with smiles on their faces.”

The Warsaw junior varsity team erased a two-goal deficit to edge Concord 3-2.

Christina Tiahuetl tallied the game winner for the JV Tigers with about five minutes to play. Jessica Keyes and Kristen Reese each had a goal for the winners off assists by Tiahuetl and Rosie Fleming.

Warsaw hosts Fort Wayne Northrop Monday. The Tigers then play at Columbia City on Thursday.

Rachel McClelland prepares to take a shot for the Tigers Thursday night at WCHS.