Boys soccer: Warren plays to another scoreless draw

Warren's boys soccer team notched another shutout in North Suburban Conference action on Saturday.

The problem for the Blue Devils was they got shut out themselves again.

"It's a little odd for us because we're having a hard time putting the ball into the back of the net," Warren coach Jason Ahonen said after his team played host Lake Forest to a 0-0 tie. "But we're doing a better job keeping the ball out of the net."

The Blue Devils were coming off a scoreless draw against Lake Zurich two days earlier.

"The fact is, if we can find a goal here and there, we can put ourselves in a better position," Ahonen said. "If we continue to put up zeros against opponents, we can keep ourselves in games. It might not be the most exciting brand of soccer, but it's getting us a point."

Warren (5-4-4, 0-2-3) and Lake Forest (3-8-4, 0-2-2) remain winless in the NSC. The Blue Devils have had good stretches this season, and Ahonen is confident his team is coming together at the right time.

"Every day we get a little bit better, and every day we get a little bit more comfortable," Ahonen said. "The fact is, there are only three seniors on the team. There's a lot to look forward to, and I'm not talking about next year. I'm talking about our next game, next week and the playoffs. If we can be a little more dynamic on offense, we can open some eyes. It hasn't been because of a lack of effort or desire."

Warren midfielder Nolan Ehlers assumed a more defensive role in the second half against Lake Forest because of an injury to defender Jovan Selakovic.

"I'm more of an attacking midfielder, but since Jovan got hurt, I had to go back there," Ehlers said. "I just try my best to help my team. We're having good possession in the middle third. We just have to take more chances and create more shots. We did get a couple of shots on the keeper and made him work."

Lake Forest keeper John Walsh made 6 saves, while Warren's Tristan Rozadowski stopped five shots.

"We've been playing well but just making mistakes," Lake Forest coach Rob Parry said. "Set piece goals, corners, bizarre deflections ... it's a battle. I can't remember if we've ever shut (Warren) out. We're building with our group and I'm happy."