SYRACUSE – While leaving a match tied with the other team is never the goal, sometimes a tie can feel just as good as a win. That was the case for the Wawasee boys soccer team Saturday afternoon.

Lucas Garza shows some athleticism on defense with this header. (Photos by Nick Goralczyk)

The Warriors played an intense game with Northern Lakes Conference power Concord at Warrior Field and used some clutch play in the second half to tie the visiting Minutemen, 2-2, in both team’s first conference contest of the season.

Wawasee took the lead in the first half thanks to a penalty kick from Luis Camargo. The senior slipped his PK attempt by Concord keeper Antony Saleh with 16:03 to play in the first half.

Feeling the pressure from Wawasee’s goal, Trevor Pollock managed to net an equalizer (38′) followed shortly after by a goal from Concord’s Paco Ocampo (40′) to give the visiting squad a 2-1 lead. That score would hold up as both teams broke for the half.

Shortly into the second half Wawasee had another shot at a goal by way of a PK but Saleh was not outdone this time around, making a diving stop on Camargo’s attempt.

Wawasee was able to keep a potent Concord attack at bay thanks to exceptional play in goal by Korey Knafel. A flurry of saves by the senior keeper throughout the game, especially the second half, made all the difference for the Warriors.

“He’s a brick wall back there,” said the energetic Warrior head coach Jordan Sharp. “He’s doing awesome for us. He leads this team on the field in practice and in games. On and off the field his leadership is clear to see and his play in goal backs that up.”

Sharp even made sure to point out the attire his senior keeper was donning saying with a laugh, “Did you see the bright pink jersey he was wearing? That’s a confidence boost for you right there!”

Carlos Camargo (center) is congratulated by his teammates after evening up the score 2-2 against Concord.

Regardless of what Knafel was wearing, the senior definitely did his part by shutting out the Minutemen in the second half. But Wawasee could not have clinched the tie without some excellent footwork by Carlos Camargo.

With just over 14 minutes to play in the game the youngest of the three Camargos took advantage of a defensive breakdown by Concord and drilled the equalizer sending the Warrior players and fans into a frenzy while Minutemen faithful sat stunned.

“We were just trying to keep the guys composed for the whole game,” Sharp said. “We wanted to play our game and play simple soccer all while trying to frustrate Concord.”

The frustration tactic worked wonders for the Warriors as Concord’s Chandler Dolowy was given a red card with just under 10 minutes remaining in the contest. Dolowy earned the dismissal from the game thanks to some colorful language.

Following the final horn, Concord head coach Shawn McCuen declined to comment on the game.

Wawasee (0-1-1, 0-0-1) will look to pick up its first win of 2014 when it travels to Hamilton on Monday night.

Wawasee prepares to defend a Concord free kick while Jared Long (#8, green) tries to slip through the Warrior defense.