SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – In a game that started on March 23 and finished on Thursday, the Torrington Trailblazers boys soccer team picked up a 3-2 win over Scottsbluff.
The two teams met in late March in Scottsbluff. Nathan Stitt knocked through an early goal, but the Bearcats bounced back to score two of their own. Stitt nailed home another goal in the first half. The game was called just before halftime due to lightning. The game was set to resume on Thursday.
Although there was no lightning during the second part of the game last week, both teams had to battle stiff winds. The Bearcats had the wind at their backs for the last few minutes of the first half but were unable to capitalize. After the two-minute intermission, the Blazers had the wind at their backs.
A.J. Shields was able to capitalize on a ball that slipped through the Scottsbluff defense. He scored the goal from the six-yard box off the assist from Stitt just two minutes into the second half to put Torrington up 3-2. The Bearcats struggled against the wind in the second half and could not find the equalizer, giving Torrington the win.
Because the game fell on Torrington’s spring break, the Blazers were missing some of their regular contributors, but that did not stop the reserves from stepping up to the challenge.
“I was very impressed with Braden Mechem, Trace English, Ryan Johnson and Lathan Canaday,” coach Jeshua Arnusch said. “I thought they did a great job of stepping in and playing quality minutes while helping keep possession in the passing game.”
With the win, the Blazers have advanced to 8-2 on the season, with a 2-0 record against conference foes. Torrington returns to the pitch on Tuesday in a rematch against Scottsbluff. The game is set to be played in Torrington, starting at 5 p.m.
