Torrington’s Michael DeSousa shoots past Woodland’s Matthew Spofford to score a goal on Wednesday. Marianne Killackey – Special to Register Citizen
TORRINGTON >> The Torrington High School boys soccer blowouts are over, at least for a while.
The Red Raiders sailed past Woodland 7-0 Wednesday afternoon at the Torrington Middle School, completing a 19-0 scoring run against their last three opponents.
Friday, the soccer winds are scheduled for a change.
“We have a tough stretch ahead,” said Torrington coach Mike Fritch.
The Raiders head for Seymour Friday, then visit arch rival Naugatuck Wednesday.
“We can’t look ahead to Naugy. We have to worry about Seymour. They’re much improved,” said Fritch.
The Wildcats are 5-0 in the league, 5-1 overall with a 1-0 loss at Weston two weeks ago.
Naugatuck, the NVL’s traditional power team, went undefeated in the regular season last year.
They’re 6-0 so far.
Torrington sleepwalked through a 2-0 loss at St. Paul, then came wide awake.
“We have to practice coming out hard,” said Torrington forward Amar Suljic on Wednesday.
Mission accomplished.
Woodland sophomore goalkeeper Anthony Oliveira (12 saves) scrambled for a rebound off his hands in the second minute, took another blast in the third minute, still another in the fourth.
“We’re inexperienced,” said Woodland coach Tony Moutinho. “I have some seniors on the bench; I’m playing my younger kids.”
Raider seniors started the Hawks’ heavy dose of experience. Backups showed how deep they run.
In the sixth minute, Kevin Vaca, the Raiders’ premiere center midfielder, passed from the left corner to the far post. Suljic timed it perfectly for an unstoppable point-blank header.
“Our passing and our chemistry was all good today,” said Suljic.
Good shots poured in at Oliveira.
Midway through the half, Suljic found the mark again, 10 yards out on the right side, 2-0.
A minute later, Oliveira advanced toward Vaca near the top of the keepers’ box. Vaca passed off for Suljic’s third goal.
Torrington’s Mitch Canty controls the ball in the Red Raiders win over Woodland Wednesday afternoon. Marianne Killackey – Special to Register Citizen
Leading 3-0, backups poured off the Torrington bench or tried new positions.
By the first half’s final minute, they were comfortable.
Tom Killackey sent a pass to Alex Segovia by the Woodland goalpost.
“I’m a freshman. Playing varsity is a gift,” beamed Segovia, making good on his chance.
“I’d also like to thank Tom Killackey for a great assist,” he added.
Seconds later, senior Mitch Canty whistled a goal off Oliveira from 20 yards on the right wing.
“I don’t play offense most of the time,” said Canty. “I’m usually at right back.”
Starters got more playing time early in the second half. Suljic barreled over a Hawk defender for his fourth goal 15 minutes in, then one more new face joined the scoring crowd.
“I got a beautiful assist from Amar,” said senior Michael DeSousa, normally Torrington’s left back.
“We’re going to take our lumps,” said Hawk coach Moutinho. “You learn a lot by losing.”
Torrington 7, Woodland 0
At Torrington Middle School
Woodland 0 0 – 0
Torrington 5 2 – 7
Goals: T – Amar Suljic 4; Alex Segovia; Mitch Canty; Michael DeSousa. Assists: T – Kevin Vaca 2; Tom Killackey; Suljic. Shots 19-3 Torrington. Saves: W – Anthony Oliveira 12. T – Nate Manchester/John Thebarge 3.
Records: Woodland 2-5 (1-4 NVL); Torrington 5-1.