By Greg James |  [email protected]

The Riverton High School boys soccer team returned to the state playoffs this season.

“I am pleased with how we played overall,” Silverwolves head coach Paul Moizer said. “I expected a better record. We had three or four games that did not go our way. If we had gotten those games, I would be happier with our results.”

The Silverwolves finished the season 4-8 in Region 3 and 6-9-1 overall.

Their one tie and six of their losses each came by only one goal, including their final regular season contest against Herriman. The Mustangs led 2-0 at halftime, but a valiant Riverton comeback fell short. Team captain Colin Horman scored a lone second half goal in the 2-1 loss. 

“This is a pretty close group, and they play well together,” Mozier said. “It’s a nice blend of grade levels on the varsity team, and they work hard and pass the ball well.”

The midfield has been a strength for the team this year. Senior Kelson Kaas and juniors Cory Sanders and Micah Sims do well to transition the team from defense to offense.

“They (midfielders) have played well together,” Mozier said. “They really drive our team. They have assisted on most of our goals this season.”

Sims leads the team with five assists; Kaas has four and Horman two. 

The Silverwolves scored a goal in all but three games this season. They scored 15 goals in their 12 region games, third most in Region 3.

Horman leads the team with seven goals, and fellow senior Connor Christensen has scored six. Christensen scored two goals in a 3-1 victory over West Jordan.

Herriman won the Region 3 title, Copper Hills finished second, Taylorsville third and Riverton fourth. 

The Silverwolves beat Taylorsville and West Jordan twice in its region contests.

“Our region is strong,” Mozier said. “Herriman and Copper Hills have been ranked in the top five this year. Taylorsville and West Jordan are very good teams. Every game is competitive. You have to bring your best game every time or you will get beat.” 

The Silverwolves had two players split time at the keeper position. Sophomores Jarom Hyde and Michael Doty each played one half of every game. Both had a shutout and together, they allowed only 1.4 goals per game. 

“It is not the ideal position to split time between keepers, but it was really hard to choose between them,” Mozier said. “Both are great keepers and have their own strengths. Jarom commands the box and takes control on crosses. Michael is great on one-on-ones. Both of them are great shot stoppers and have come up with some fantastic saves.” 

The Silverwolves returned to the state playoffs this season for the first time since 2015 when they advanced to the quarterfinals and lost to Alta 3-0. They won their first state championship in 2014 over Fremont 1-0.

The Utah High School Activities Association 6A state tournament is began May 15. The fourth-seeded Silverwolves opened at Granger High School against the Lancers where they scored two second half goals to win 3-2.