Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

The St. Joseph Flyers tried something new in the first half of their soccer match, but then had to resort to something old in the second half.

The Flyers tried a new formation in the first half but found themselves down 2-0 early. They then did what they’ve been doing all season: battling back in the second half.

St. Joseph needed another strong second half to rally for a 4-4 tie with the Portsmouth Clay Panthers on Thursday.

“Again tonight we hit the pitch a little flat and dug ourselves into a 2-0 hole, but we rallied in the second half,” said Flyers’ coach Mike Arrington.

“We tried a new formation in the first half, but it just wasn’t working. We had to adjust in the second half. It was a difficult game and Clay played very well.”

Joseph Payton scored off an assist from Tre Neal just before the end of the first half and it was 2-1.

Payton scored an unassisted goal to begin the second half and tie the game. Dylan Arrington then scored on a penalty kick to give the Flyers the lead.

Clay answered with a pair of goals to regain the lead, but in the final two minutes of the game Peyton Adkins scored his first high school goal with an assist from Zachary McGraw to tie the game.

The Flyers lost a couple of starters — one on Tuesday and one in the first half on Thursday.

“Our bench really stepped up and compensated. I’m very proud of them all,” said Arrington. “When these guys get some more experience and develop some more chemistry, they will be a good team. The potential is there.”

The Flyers hosts Chesapeake at 6 p.m. Tuesday.