It won’t be easy, but the Riverton girls soccer team is ready to challenge for the region championship. 

The Silverwolves compete in Region 2, which features some strong foes, including Copper Hills, Corner Canyon and Mountain Ridge. Salt Lake Academy, Bingham and Herriman also are in the region. Riverton was 6-6 in league play a year ago, placing fourth out of seven teams. Overall, Riverton was 8-9 and lost in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs after getting a first-round bye. 

The 2024 season got off to a rough start. 

Riverton was 1-5 through the first six games and dropped its first two region contests. In six outings through Aug. 22, Riverton had scored nine goals and given up 17. Still, head coach Paul Moizer is confident in his girls that they will progress as the season goes along. 

“I expect the team to be competitive and to keep improving throughout the season,” he said. “Our goals are to finish in the top eight of the RPI so we get a bye in the first round of the playoffs and to contend for the region championship.”

Being at or near the top of the league standings may sound like a tall order, but Riverton has some solid players who have talent, experience and leadership. A group of seven seniors stand out for the Silverwolves. Moizer loves what midfielder Xoie Warner, fullback Mylee Yeager, fullback Brindee Jones, fullback Josie Enniss, forward Marley Johnson, midfielder Ellie Anderson and midfielder Alli Sorenson bring to the field and how they hold the team together. 

“They are the leadership core responsible for team chemistry and spirit,” he said. “They do a great job of making everyone feel included and important.”

Though Riverton got off to a rough start, Moizer believes the Silverwolves will regroup. To him, it’s most important for the team to reach its peak at the end of the season and into the state tournament. Moizer said Riverton players are “hard working, driven and competitive.” 

“We need to continue to improve all season so we are playing our best when the playoffs are here,” he said. 

To improve, Moizer said the Silverwolves need to focus more on the defensive end and “be more responsible for their one-on-one battles.” He has been impressed with the girls’ passing but acknowledges that finishing is an area that needs attention. 

The Silverwolves host Copper Hills on Oct. 3 to wrap up the regular season. Riverton plays all six Region 2 foes twice. The state tournament begins Oct. 10 with first-round games. The second round gets underway Oct. 15. Rounds one and two, as well as the quarterfinals, take place on the home fields of higher-seeded teams. 

Even when things aren’t going as well as they would like on the scoreboard or in the standings, Moizer said the girls still enjoy playing. They’re also excellent teammates, put forth a good effort and have good attitudes. 

“They are very coachable and fun to be around,” he said. “They have fun but know when to work hard and apply themselves.” λ