The Torrington High School Blazers concluded the regular season with a bang, soundly defeating Rawlins to secure the No. 1 seed for the upcoming state tournament.
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RAWLINS – An exceptional season for the Torrington High School Blazer boys’ soccer team culminated with a resounding 4-0 victory against conference rival Rawlins at an away game on May 10.
Torrington’s victory against Rawlins sealed the Blazers’ position as the No. 1 seed in the 3A East Conference for the upcoming 2024 State Soccer Championships in Rock Springs and Green River from May 16-18. The Blazers concluded the season with an impressive 13-2 overall record and a 9-1 conference record.
Torrington kicks off the state tournament on Thursday with a game against Powell, the No. 4 seed in the 3A West Conference, at the Lincoln Middle School Stadium in Green River at 4 p.m.
Coach Gabe Bartlett expressed pride in the Blazers’ triumph against Rawlins on Friday.
“The boys did a great job of controlling the game from the outset,” Bartlett said. “This was one of our better passing games and that was reflected in the score. (Sophomore) Anthony Arnusch and (senior) Adam Bartlett really controlled the middle and were constantly putting pressure on Rawlins’ back line. Our defense was solid all game, as they have been all year. It was a great win and a great way to end the (regular) season. The boys are ready for state.”
Adam Bartlett set the pace for the Blazer offense with a goal in the first 10 minutes of regulation.
A tenacious Torrington defense completely shut out Rawlins from scoring in the first half, with plays by junior Skyler Thomas, junior Kaiden Riggs, senior Greysen Shields, sophomore Jace Schlagel and sophomore Beaux Shimic.
On the rare occasion that the ball made it into Torrington’s goal area, junior Ayden Shimic was waiting and made four saves.
On offense, Arnusch and junior Elijah Hatch kept Rawlins’ goalie and back line busy with shots on goal as the first half ended.
Torrington controlled the scoreboard, 1-0, at halftime.
The Blazer offense roared onto the field in the second half, netting three goals.
Bartlett scored first for Torrington with a goal assisted by Hatch. Taking possession midway into the second half, Hatch kicked the ball past Rawlins’ goalie for Torrington’s third point.
Arnusch rounded out scoring for the Blazers with a penalty kick as the second half wound down.
An ironclad Torrington defense once again prevented Rawlins from scoring in the second half, with Ayden Shimic posting four saves.
