Warriors roll in 4-0 win over Riverton

WORLAND - Sometimes the best defense is a good offense and for the Worland Warriors soccer team that proved to be true Thursday night at Worland High School. In their season-opener, the Warriors dominated from start to finish as they downed the Riverton Wolverines 4-0.

"I liked how aggressive we came out. We talked about making them [Riverton] react to what we were doing. We worked hard over the summer with our two-touch passing and keeping the ball moving. You could see the fruits of all the hard work they've put in. I told them that was a good start but it was a start. We have to keep working at getting better," said WHS boys soccer coach Ron Overcast.

Scoring for the Warriors was junior Rylan Mocko scoring two of the team's goals, freshman Rudy Sanford with the first goal of his career and sophomore Devon Mercado, who also scored for the first time in his Warrior career.

The Warriors kept the attack on the Wolverines for a sizable portion of the match. But when Riverton did have the off chance to get in scoring position the Worland defense came through, giving sophomore keeper Konnor Macy his first career clean-sheet in his first varsity start.

"Those were all new defenders and we were subbing three more into the back line and a new keeper, but they all played well. There were breakdowns but they did a good job covering in behind one another. They played well but they have to keep improving. I thought Konnor Macy played well and it's nice to get a clean sheet that first game out.

"Our midfield defense was really good. Our wingers were playing great defense and we were getting good pressure from our forward on their [Riverton] defenders. That caused turnovers and we were getting those turnovers in a good part of the field," said Overcast.

Building depth for this season is a goal for Overcast and his staff, and if Thursday is any indication that goal will be easily met. The Warriors were often subbing four to five players at a time and it did not matter the combination of players or what time in the match, the team's overall play never dipped or missed a beat.

"I love that part of it. We were subbing five guys at a time and that's what I want. I told them the other day that I want 16 starters and one of the guys looked at me like you can't have 16 guys out there. But I want 16 guys out there that way when I'm putting in guys it's another group of starting caliber players. Tonight there wasn't a drop off when we made those substitutions and that was really pleasing to see," said Overcast.

Helping the Warriors cause Thursday was Mocko and while his two goals stood out, what was also apparent was that he was the best player on the field.

But Mocko wasn't alone in dominating the pitch, sophomore Devon Mercado and freshmen Rudy Sanford and JT Klinghagen also performed well.

"During the game, I thought to myself birthdays matter. Whether it was Rylan or Wyatt or Devon, it was like 'wow.' The leap they have taken in one year is amazing. Seeing Rudy and JT [Klinghagen] out there as freshmen and hanging tough was exciting to see. Rudy was putting pressure on Riverton and JT did a really good job at center back, which is an important position," said Overcast.

Today the Warriors will need to put their impressive victory behind them as they host the Lander Tigers another quality 3A soccer program. The focus for the match will be simple for the Warriors, find a way to be better than they were against Riverton.

"We got a great start and we have to be humble. We just need to build on this game," said Overcast.

The Warriors and Tigers kickoff at 5 p.m. at Worland High School.