The Torrington Blazers soccer team clinched the No. 2 seed going into this weekend's state tournament.
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TORRINGTON – The Torrington High School Blazers soccer team wrapped up a successful 2025 season with a 5-1 conference victory against the Newcastle Dogies at the final home game on Friday, May 16.
Torrington took the opportunity during the Newcastle game to honor its six seniors – Carter Blevins, Elijah Hatch, Kaiden Riggs, Ayden Shimic, Oliver Szabo and Skyler Thomas.
“Beating Newcastle was a great way to send off our seniors,” coach Jeshua Arnusch said. “I was very happy with the teamwork the boys displayed. I thought everyone was unselfish and played the next pass without hesitation. It was good to see the upperclassmen get a goal on senior night.”
Torrington finished the season with an impressive 9-1 conference record and a 10-4 overall record. A victory by Buffalo against Worland on Friday bumped the Blazers to the No. 2 seed in the 3A East going into the Wyoming State Soccer Championships this weekend in Gillette.
Torrington kicks off the state tournament with a quarterfinal game against Mountain View, the No. 3 seed from the 3A West, on Thursday, May 22 at 4 p.m.
“I’m excited to see what our group of kids can do at state,” coach Arnusch added. “They have worked so hard all season and I am really proud of them.”
Defeating Newcastle
The Blazer offense struck with speed and precision in the first half with Torrington outscoring Newcastle, 4-0. Thomas scored the first goal for the Blazers, assisted by junior Anthony Arnusch.
Szabo and Arnusch netted one unassisted goal apiece before junior Beaux Shimic sent the ball to Riggs for Torrington’s fourth goal.
The Blazers clinched their win with a fifth goal at the beginning of the second half. Ayden Shimic played goalie throughout the season but found himself as a striker for the Blazers on Friday. Shimic kicked the ball past Newcastle’s goalie on an assist by Arnusch.
Newcastle managed to break through Torrington’s defense and score a goal with 15 minutes remaining in regulation, but ultimately came up far short in closing the deficit.
Regular season stats
On offense, Hatch led the Blazers as striker throughout the 2025 season with 14 goals. Arnusch collected eight goals with seven from Thomas. Sophomore Braxton Carlson tallied two goals while Riggs, Ayden Shimic and Szabo each netted one goal against Newcastle on Friday.
Arnusch set the momentum for Torrington at midfield, delivering 13 assists during the season. Thomas totaled nine assists with three by Riggs, two from Beaux Shimic and one each by Hatch, Blevins and sophomore Ben Steinbrecher.
Ayden Shimic excelled as goalie for the Blazers, collecting 71 saves. Hatch and Blevins stepped in as subs when needed, recording seven and four saves, respectively.
A number of conference games this season were determined by overtime shootouts. The Blazers proved their grit in high-pressure situations, winning four games in overtime. Hatch led Torrington in shootout penalty kicks with four. Thomas, Riggs and Beaux Shimic tallied three apiece with one each by junior Jace Schlagel, Carlson and Blevins.
