Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

CHESAPEAKE — A rising start leveled off.

The St. Joseph Flyers jumped out to an early lead, but the Chesapeake Panthers rebounded and the teams finished tied 3-3 in a boys’ soccer game Thursday.

“For a change, we just put to a 2-0 lead early in the game, but it was senior night for Chesapeake and I anticipated they would play hard,” said Flyers’ coach Mike Arrington. “It was one of those nights where you play hard but just don’t get any breaks.”

Joseph Payton scored two first half goals to give the Flyers a 2-0 lead — one on an assist and the other on a penalty kick.

But Chesapeake used a penalty kick goal and a corner kick goal to tie the game.

The Flyers regained the lead at 3-2 on Alexander Ward’s first goal of the season to start the second half.

“I was really happy with Alex’s goal. He’s a sophomore, but he is showing a great deal of promise at playing up front,” said Arrington.

The Panthers tied the game again a few minutes later and neither team threatened the rest of the way.

Flyers’ goalie Joey Bush had seven saves to give him 102 on the season.

“This is the home stretch, and we just need to peak physically and mentally for the sectionals in two weeks,” said Arrington.

St. Joseph (3-7-3) visits South Point at 7 p.m. Tuesday.