I was happy with how the boys bounced back after the Scottsbluff game. We had two fantastic days of practice and that really showed against Douglas.”

Coach Jeshua Arnusch

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The Blazers travel to play Rawlins on Friday, May 2 at 4 p.m. Torrington hosts Worland on Saturday at 4 p.m.

TORRINGTON – The Torrington High School Blazers soccer team maintained the No. 1 position in the 3A East conference following a decisive 7-3 victory against the Douglas Bearcats at home on Friday, April 25.

The Torrington offense struck with speed and precision to score three goals in the first half while a tenacious Blazer defense shut out the Bearcats.

Douglas rallied with goals early in the second half, but Torrington remained in control of the scoreboard, outmaneuvering the Bearcats, 4-3, to seal the conference win. 

The Blazers improved their conference record to an undefeated 4-0 in the wake of the Douglas victory. Torrington’s overall record stands at 5-3.

“I was happy with how the boys bounced back after the Scottsbluff game,” coach Jeshua Arnusch said. “We had two fantastic days of practice and that really showed against Douglas.”

Defensive moves by junior Jace Schlagel, senior Kaiden Riggs and senior Carter Blevins kept the backfield clear during most of the game.

“I thought Kaiden, Carter and Jace did a great job of pushing our defensive line higher without giving up big pockets behind us,” coach Arnusch remarked. “I thought our defense also did a great job of winning the ball out in the air.”

Senior goalie Ayden Shimic tallied five saves in both the first and second halves.

Juniors Beaux Shimic kept the pressure at midfield with solid plays, taking on additional responsibilities when junior Anthony Arnusch came out due to an injury.

“I was impressed with Beaux,” coach Arnusch added. “When Ant went down, Beaux stepped up and dominated the game with his dribble and change of pace and direction. He was everywhere.”

The Blazer offense scored the first goal early in regulation when senior Elijah Hatch kicked the ball between Douglas’ goal posts, assisted by Arnusch.

Later in the first half, Arnusch took possession deep in Douglas territory and launched the ball past the Bearcats’ goalie.

Senior Skyler Thomas lined up for a powerful corner kick at the end of the first half for Torrington’s third goal and the Blazers led at halftime, 3-0.

Hatch struck first at the beginning of the second half with a goal on a penalty kick. 

Douglas responded with two goals before Hatch scored again off an assist by Thomas. Hatch tallied another goal on a penalty kick.

Late in the second half, Hatch sped down the field, driving the ball past the Bearcats’ defensive line and goalie to score the final point for Torrington.

“Hatch and Skyler had a great game as well, timing runs and playing off one another,” coach Arnusch said. “When they play unselfish soccer, it opens up the game for both of them. They made some great passes and capitalized off of them immediately.”

Torrington travels to play Rawlins on Friday, May 2 followed by a home game against Worland on Saturday at 4 p.m.

“Up next, we have two tough games,” coach Arnusch added. “Rawlins is a tough stadium to win and they are starting to gel. Worland is going to be an extremely hard battle – I hope to see the stands packed.”