Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

Watch and learn.

The St. Joseph Flyers took a trip to see a Columbus Crew game over the weekend to get a first-hand how to run their offense. The Flyers learned their lesson well as they beat the Chesapeake Panthers Tuesday 4-1 for their first win of the season.

“I think (seeing the Crew game) really helped for them to see how the formation is supposed to shift and transition the game,” said Flyers’ coach Mike Arrington.

“I was really happy for the guys to put one in the win column. They have been working very hard this past month and it paid off.”

Joseph Payton scored all four St. Joseph goals and the performance gave his 50 careers goals. Goalie Joey Bush had seven saves.

“Joseph Payton is just an outstanding player who is really starting to read his opponents, and our offense is getting more patient on the ball. We also got some really solid minutes from out bench tonight,” said Arrington.

Payton’s first goal gave the Flyers a 1-0 halftime lead. He scored early in the second half on a cross from Blake Balestra and then got an assisted goal from a steal at center line for his hat trick and a 3-0 lead.

After the Panthers scored, Payton used an assist from Trey Neal in the closing minutes to complete the scoring and give him his milestone goal.

The Flyers visit Greenup County at 6 p.m. Thursday.