Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

The St. Joseph Flyers finished what they started.

The Flyers were able to capitalize on their scoring chances as they blanked the Portsmouth Clay Panthers 7-0 Monday in the Division III sectional soccer tournament.

“We played well offensively and defensively today. Our offense was patient and created chances. We finished strong and put the ball in the net,” said Flyers’ coach Mike Balestra.

“The defense was strong. We transitioned the ball well in the attack and kept pressure on Clay the entire game.”

The shutout win was the first tournament victory for the Flyer seniors. The last St. Joseph tournament win came in 2010.

“The team worked hard this season to accomplish this,” said Balestra.

St. Joseph (9-6-2) advances to play at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Wheelersburg.

The Flyers jumped out to a 4-0 halftime lead on a pair of goals by Tre Neal and single goals by Peyton Adkins and Blake Balestra.

Wulf Goheen, Zach McGraw and Cole Willis recorded second half goals to complete the scoring. Bradley Rist had two assists while Jacob Clark, Daniel Davidson, Balestra and McGraw all had an assist.

Goalkeeper Joey Bush had 15 saves and Rist also had a save.

St. Joseph had 22 shots on goal to 27 for Clay. The Flyers had five corner kicks, 15 fouls and a yellow card.

Clay had four corner kicks, 11 fouls and two yellow cards.

Neither team had an offside penalty.