Year in Review: Warrior defense powers them to five-peat
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The 2023 Worland Warriors soccer team celebrates winning the State competition for the fifth year in a row with ring pops and sparkling cider.
It was supposed to be a down year for Warrior Soccer, but the season ended with the Warriors winning their fifth straight 3A State soccer championship in Green River on May 20.
"They've been resilient all season long. They refused to lose and took it one day at a time," said WHS boys soccer coach Ron Overcast. "They worked hard in practice and were coachable. I have a great coaching staff, and I'm really proud of the boys. They don't know how to lose but know how to win. They do what it takes to win a game and did it all last weekend."
The Warriors claimed their fifth consecutive championship with a 3-1 win over Douglas, ending their season with a 15-01 record and extending their unbeaten streak to 80 games.
"It's crazy," said Warrior keeper Kade Weber after the Warriors downed Douglas. "I've grown up with these guys since I was in second grade. We've been playing sports the whole time. To win championships in our last two sports, I'm just all smiles right now."
Court Gonsalez scored two goals in the championship game, with Tyshon Swalstad scoring the other.
Swalstad was among the many Warriors who had an excellent state tournament. The junior was a menace in the midfield and a playmaker on the attack.
Against Douglas, his attacking play got Worland their first goal. He drove the ball into the 18 and sent a nice cross to Gonsalez, who put the ball in the net.
"Tyshon had a breakout season in this tournament," said Overcast. "He caught the eye of a couple of college coaches. Tyshon plays a lot bigger than he is, and every time you look up. Tyshon was taking the ball from somebody. He had an outstanding tournament."
With the Warriors not having the offensive firepower they had in past seasons, defense would be this team's calling card.
Worland used their defense to carry them through their conference schedule and 3A State tournament.
The Warriors only allowed seven goals this season, which ties for second-best in program history, and only allowed one goal at the state tournament.
