The Warriors have an ultimate goal -- big run come playoffs

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West Torrance boys’ soccer was ravaged.

Not one, not two nor three, but four projected starters quit the team. The reason is common -- to play for private clubs in a U.S. Soccer Federation program created to groom promising talent.

‘It was tough,’ said Coach Mike Shimizu. ‘There were suddenly a lot of question marks. How would we replace them? Well, we had to adjust.’

And adjust West Torrance has -- look at the 15-2-2 record, and the Warriors have rocketed to the top of the Bay League at 5-0. ‘I think we’ve surprised some people,’ Shimizu said.

Two players quickly stabilized the team’s wobbly base -- striker Tyler Krumpe and goalie Ryan Oster.

Krumpe, a four-year varsity starter, has 15 goals and 12 assists and will play at Loyola Marymount next season. ‘He gets double-covered all the time,’ Shimizu said, ‘and he’s still having a tremendous year.’

Oster, undecided for college, already has 11 shutouts. ‘He makes at least one great save a game,’ Shimizu said. ‘He wows college coaches.’

Now, the Warriors have two goals -- to make a playoff berth and to win league. But what about nabbing their first Southern Section crown in 21 years? ‘First,’ Shimizu said, ‘we just want to make a great run in the playoffs.’

And for West Torrance, a great run is possible.

(P.S. Yes, that’s a pic of ex-WWE champ, the Ultimate Warrior, and I thought it was fitting. And now you know I’m a pro wrestling geek.)

-- Anthony Stitt

-- Image from www.onlineworldofwrestling.com