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RHS boys get 4-1 victory over Lander on LVHS soccer field
Apr 18, 2012 - By Bruce Tippets, Sports Editor
Josh Wright and Tristan White scored two goals apiece in a balanced offensive attack for Riverton High School as the Wolverines beat Lander 4-1 in boys soccer action Tuesday night in enemy territory at Lander Valley High School.
The Wolverines had been struggling the last couple of matches in the scoring department.
"It's amazing," said Wright about getting the win over Lander. "It finally happened. It's great to win against Lander. They are our biggest rivalry for sure."
The Wolverines tied with Evanston 0-0 last Friday and fell to Green River 2-1 on Saturday in a pair of Class 4-A West matches.
"It has been kind of frustrating the last few weeks because this kids have been working hard in practice," RHS coach Erly Cornejo said. "They got rewarded for it."
Wright believes the victory Tuesday will give the Wolverines momentum for the rest of the season.
"As soon as we were on the bus we knew that we were going to win the game," Wright said. "It was our intensity all during the game. We had a purpose to play. We just wanted to get it done."
Wright said the players communicated with each other all match long.
"We were passing very well, and we finally finished some of our free kicks," Wright said.
Riverton defenders Michael Jones, Caleb Ogg, Ryan Axthelm, Lars Becker and Reed Campbell kept LVHS in check. Goalkeeper Logan Ridgeway collected the saves in the net for the Wolverines.
"I thought that the whole back line played well," Cornejo said. "They all played their best game.
The Tigers pulled out a 3-1 victory last Friday vs. Douglas.
"Lander is bigger than we are and sometimes faster," Cornejo said. "We just played disciplined and played our game."
RHS now will focus on a road match vs. Rock Springs this Friday afternoon.
"We have created a lot of chances in the games that we played," Cornejo said. "The balls have hit the post or the goalie has made a great save. We are getting in good areas. We just knew it would be a matter of time."
Rock Springs edged RHS 2-1 on March 24 in the first meeting of the season.
The offensive fireworks started early for the two Fremont County squads.
Wright netted the first goal in the match 10 minutes into the first period.
"I was just trying to get my head on the ball, and it just kind of bounced off my chest," Wright said. "It was just a reaction off my foot."
The lead didn't last long. LVHS answered back with its only goal of the match when Trapper Lee found the corner of the net to tie the score at 1-1 a minute after the first goal. Wright scored his second goal of the match 10 minutes later.
"I just headed the ball right in," Wright said.
Cornejo wasn't surprised his RHS senior recorded two goals in the big time match.
"Josh is a great player," Cornejo said. "His attitude is so important to the team. He doesn't take a play off in practice or in games."
White made his first impact of the game before the break. The speedy freshman scored on a breakaway goal before the halftime break.
"Tristan is going to be an all-star," Wright said. "He has really good foot skills. He is an all-around forward."
White sealed the match with his second goal 16 minutes into the second half.
"That was just a matter of time before he found the net," Cornejo said. "He strikes the ball so well. It was just awesome to see him get rewarded for it."