Alex Torok knows all too well the mindset of a goalkeeper, and he uses that knowledge to his scoring advantage. Photo by Pat Turner

Alex Torok could play anywhere on the soccer field.

Thanks to O’Connor coach Mike McKenna, the senior is getting that opportunity to do just that.

He spent his junior year at goalkeeper where he earned All-District 28-5A honors. Because of versatility, along with a knack for playing defense, passing consistently and putting goals in the net, Torok has played sweeper, midfielder and forward this season.

It has been a wise move.

Instead of preventing opponents from scoring, Torok is producing goals. When the senior isn’t scoring, he’s helping set them up for his teammates.

His nine goals and eight assists are playing a big part in keeping O’Connor in the District 28-5A playoff hunt. And Torok enjoys it.

“I was excited about being back in the field,” said Torok, who serves as O’Connor’s team captain. “That’s a lot of fun. I played defender my sophomore year and enjoyed being there.

“The move went pretty smoothly. A lot of us have played together two or three years. We know each other’s tendencies. When I was the keeper, I was the vocal leader. That hasn’t changed. I still have to be the leader, but I get to do more. I’m getting a chance to help the cause.”

Helping the cause is the reason McKenna moved Torok. Placing an All-District 28-5A keeper at another position could be considered a major gamble, but the O’Connor coach knew Torok would still make big plays.

“We needed to have Alex in the field more,” McKenna said. “He has done well at every position we put him. He does a little bit of everything. Alex has a knack for scoring and he gives his all no matter where he plays.”

Torok’s stress level has gone down considerably since leaving goalkeeper. Now, he gets the put the heat on opponents.

From what he has learned, applying the pressure is much more enjoyable. When you are a former keeper, you know how to do it.

“I am probably more equipped to play forward because I know how exactly how keepers think,” Torok said. “I know their reactions. I know what it is like to play that position.”

For the record, is it more fun to score or stop goals?

“It is probably equal, but it is a different thrill,” Torok said. “There’s a lot more glory when you score, because everybody knows it’s you. When you stop a goal, you’re helping the team. There’s a big rush when you stop someone from scoring when they think they have a goal. That’s why I like both roles.”

Torok is facing another role during the second round of 28-5A. Although the Panthers got off to a quick start, they have lost three of their last four league games to fall out of the lead.

O’Connor is still in the playoff hunt, and Torok plans to keep it that way.

“The good thing about this team is we forget stuff like the losses and move on quickly,” Torok said. “It is in the past and we can’t change it now. A win will get us going again. Everyone wants that district title. We’re the underdog. We’re the hunter instead of the hunter. But I think we’ll like that role.”