Warren’s James Lawson controls the ball in front of a trio of General McLane players during Saturday’s contest in Edinboro. The Lancers got the best of the Dragons, earning a 5-1 win.

EDINBORO, Pa. – Warren traveled to General McLane on Saturday and fell 5-1.

“During the first half of play, we looked tired and lethargic. Our opponents were ready to play and we were not. They were better on every aspect of the game for the first forty minutes,” said Warren coach Denny Flatt.

“Both teams knew that the playoff brackets are completed and this non-region match had no bearing in the standings; however, the difference was General McLane players used this match as a chance to ready themselves for the playoffs and we did not.

“Hopefully, this serves as a wake-up call and we learn from this lackluster performance. We are a talented team, but we did not bring our usual hustle, intensity, and determination during the first half, which put us behind three goals to a quality opponent.”

Brennon Songer, Logan McFadden and R.J. Benedict all found the back of the net in the first half for the Lances, who built a 3-0 lead.

A couple bright spots were the play of Beck Labesky and keeper Tommy Harrington. Labesky made some good defensive plays to limit further damage. Harrington was credited with eight saves in the first half and his efforts kept the game within reach. He was tested a lot and had a solid game.

“The coaches talked to the players at halftime and basically informed them their play was unacceptable and it is up to them to regroup and respond,” Flatt said. “We played a lot better in the second half, which was great to see. They played with intensity and with controlled emotion, which was exactly what we needed to do. I believe both teams played an even match in the second half. Although they outscored us 2-1 in the final forty minutes, we had numerous opportunities including goals that were disallowed because of offsides.

“We gave it our best effort in second half, but making up a three-goal deficit is difficult against a worthy opponent. When we play our game of soccer for 80 minutes, we are very hard to beat. All teams have bad games. The good teams respond and learn from them. We are a good team and we will reload and respond in a positive manner.”

Caleb Lindell found the back of the net for Warren in the second half.

McFadden added his second of the game for GM in the final 40 minutes, while Drew Burhenn also scored.

The Dragons close out their regular season in Meadville on Tuesday. A win will secure a second-place finish in the region standings.

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Warren 4, General McLane 0

The Warren JV team continued their winning ways with a 4-0 win over the Lancers. The Dragons controlled the tempo of the match from start to finish.

A.J. Seyler earned a hat trick.

“It’s really nice to see such a determined player rewarded for his efforts,” said coach Chris Darling.

Alex Nebinski was also credited with a goal.

Keeper Alex Ferry had another shut out in net. These are becoming fairly routine for Ferry.

“Alex has had just a great year in net,” Darling said. “He is playing with confidence, positioning himself well and making very good decisions. A win against Meadville on Tuesday would close out an undefeated season for the Dragons.