TORRINGTON – A goal by the Newcastle Lady Dogies in the 50th minute sunk Torrington, giving the Lady Trailblazers a 1-0 defeat at home on Tuesday.
Torrington had the ball in the attacking third throughout much of the first half. The Lady Blazers consistently tested the back line and keeper for Newcastle. Despite the offensive pressure, Torrington could not secure a goal, sending the game to a 0-0 tie at halftime.
“We did a good job possessing, but then it appeared that we didn’t know exactly how to take the last step,” coach Travis Rapp said. “I don’t think the Newcastle defense really did much to slow our attack or anything, just enough pressure to keep us off balance on multiple shots.”
Coming out of the intermission, the Lady Blazers kept the pressure on. They racked up several chances at a goal, including one possession where the ball ricocheted off several players near the six-yard box, but Torrington could not find the back of the net.

“Those are opportunities that, if we want to place at state, we must capitalize on,” Rapp said. “It also showed the effort of the girls. There is no quit in this group.”
After the ball bounced around the box on the Newcastle end of the field, the Lady Dogies pushed the ball up the field on a fast break and knocked through a goal 10 minutes into the second half.
Torrington continued to push after the Newcastle goal, but could not capitalize on its opportunities. With eight minutes to go, Torrington switched to a three-forward attack to get more numbers forward. The schematic change did not result in a change in the score, as Torrington fell 1-0.
“We haven’t worked on a three forward system much,” Rapp said. “At that point, all we are looking to do is throw as many girls into that attacking third as possible and try and generate that goal.”
Dani Masterson had three saves in the loss to Newcastle.
The Lady Blazers are still searching for their first win, as they are sitting at 0-6. Their next competitive action comes in the Southwest Invitational at Green River. On Friday, Torrington is set to play Buffalo at 2:30 p.m.
“The girls are understanding what we are trying to do and they are trying to execute it. It’s the natural growth a team should have,” Rapp said. “The team is making strides, it just hasn’t shown up in the W-L columns yet.”