The Torrington Blazers soccer team remains at the top of their game following a decisive OT victory against Rawlins.
This item is available in full to subscribers.
To continue reading, you will need to either log in to your subscriber account, below, or purchase a new subscription.
Please log in to continue |
TORRINGTON – Another physical, hard-fought conference game came down to an overtime shootout for the Torrington High School Blazers soccer team as it hosted the Rawlins Outlaws on Friday, April 11.
The first half ended with Torrington ahead by one goal, 2-1. Rawlins scored on a penalty kick with 47 seconds remaining in the second half to tie the game, 2-2, at the end of regulation.
The Blazers entered the field for the overtime showdown. Three penalty kicks by seniors Elijah Hatch, senior Kaiden Riggs and junior Anthony Arnusch placed Torrington ahead, 3-2.
Rawlins missed its fourth penalty kick. Junior Jace Schlagel stepped into position for the Blazers and launched a powerful kick past Rawlins’ goalie to clinch Torrington’s 4-2 overtime win.
The Blazers remain undefeated in 3A play following their decisive 3-2 victory against Rawlins.
“I was really happy with how our team stepped up in the moments that really mattered,” coach Jeshua Arnusch said. “I thought (junior) Anthony Arnusch did a phenomenal job of playing in so many different positions throughout the game. He did just enough to help us pull home the win, including both of his PKs.”
Torrington moved several players around to fill gaps in the starting lineup on Friday.
“I was proud of how the younger guys stepped up,” coach Arnusch continued. “(Sophomore) Ben Steinbrecher, (sophomore) Jackson Hessler, (sophomore) Braxton Carlson and (freshman) DeAngelo Gann went in and played hard nose defense. It was fun to watch them swap in and out throughout the game and try to execute outside mid positions.”
Anthony Arnusch scored the first goal for Torrington in the first half with a penalty kick.
Carlson followed up with a goal only minutes later, assisted by senior Skyler Thomas, to place the Blazers ahead, 2-0.
Torrington maintained the offensive pressure with shots on goal by Thomas and senior Elijah Hatch.
On defense, senior Carter Blevins played goalie and picked up six saves. Riggs and Schlagel cleared the backfield with powerful kicks on several occasions.
Rawlins broke through late in the first half to score, closing Torrington’s lead to one goal, 2-1, at halftime.
The Blazers remained up for the first 39 minutes of the second half. Hatch stepped in as goalie and tallied six saves.
A penalty kick by Rawlins tied the game, 2-2 at 47 seconds.
Up next, the Blazers travel to play Newcastle Thursday at 6p.m.
“I am looking at this game as good opportunity for our young guys to solidify movement and spacing,” coach Arnusch said. “It should be a good test to see where we are at.”
