A slow start doomed Warren’s girls soccer team in a 3-1 loss on Thursday to Girard at War Memorial Field.

“Once again, we started out slowly in the first half,” said Warren coach Mark Ordiway, whose Dragons are 1-4 overall. “I feel we play tentatively and on the back foot early in games. We need to have more of a sense of urgency at kickoff. Our halftime adjustments did help, but it’s hard to dig ourselves out of a hole each game.

“Lilly Stanley played an outstanding second half in the midfield,” said Ordiway. “She was involved with every play, both offensively and defensively. Ariana Waterhouse played quality minutes off the bench on the wing in the second half. She really helped us open up space and get forward.”

Meea Irwin scored Warren’s second-half goal following some nice footwork and a long shot outside of the box.

“We’ve had some injuries and illness and we haven’t really been at full strength so far,” said Ordiway. “We think we will continue to get better as the season progresses. Coach Teresa (Abplanalp) and I have confidence in the girls.”