I was very pleased with the outcome on Saturday. I thought the boys did a great job playing unselfish soccer and sticking to the game plan.”

Coach Jeshua Arnusch

Up Next

The Blazers square off against Worland on the road on Friday, April 4 at 6 p.m.

BUFFALO – Conference play commenced for the Torrington High School Blazers soccer team with a decisive 1-0 victory on the road against the Buffalo Bison on a cold, gray Saturday afternoon on March 29.

“I was very pleased with the outcome on Saturday,” coach Jeshua Arnusch said. “I thought the boys did a great job playing unselfish soccer and sticking to the game plan. We wanted to play over the top to (sophomore) Nathan Lira and (senior) Elijah Hatch and slow the game down for Buffalo. I thought we did that and were very direct in where we sent the ball.”

A solid Torrington defense shut out the Bison in both the first and second halves, led by senior Ayden Shimic at goalie and senior Kaiden Riggs, senior Skyler Thomas and junior Jace Schlagel on the defensive line.

“(The defenders) fought all day and were well positioned,” Arnusch added. “They made it tough for Buffalo. Ayden Shimic had two fantastic saves – he is one of the best goalies in the state.”

The Torrington offense struck repeatedly in Buffalo’s territory, culminating in a game-winning goal late in the second half.

With 2:22 remaining in regulation, Riggs passed the ball from the backfield to Hatch waiting in Buffalo’s defensive zone. Hatch maneuvered the ball around a defender and lined up for a powerful kick up the field and straight into Buffalo’s goal.

“Hatch put a burner on frame,” Arnusch said. “It doesn’t surprise me with him. Hatch has a love for the big moments. He is really stepping up and leading by example.”

Torrington hosted Gering for the home-opener on Tuesday, April 1. Results were not available at press time.

The Blazers travel to play Worland on Friday at 6 p.m.