Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

This was all about the defense.

Using a strong defensive effort, the St. Joseph Flyers blanked the Portsmouth Clay Panthers 4-0 on Thursday in a soccer game.

“Our defensive backs were strong and didn’t give Clay any time on the ball,” said Flyers’ coach Mike Balestra.

“Jacob Clark, Zach McGraw, Trey Young, Chase Walters and Clay Willis were solid defenders and transitioned the ball well in our attack. Chris Lewis played well at holding mid and made excellent passes to keep our attack going. It was a good team effort.”

St. Joseph (8-6-1) got two goals from Wulf Goheen and single goals from Blake Balestra and Cole Willis in building a 4-0 halftime lead.

Tre’ Neal, Bradley Rist and Balestra all had assists while goalkeeper Joey Bush recorded 12 saves.

St. Joseph had 26 shots on goal to 19 for Clay. The Flyers had eight corner kicks, five offside penalties and four fouls. The Panthers had two corner kicks, five fouls and no penalties.

The Flyers host North Adams at noon Saturday on senior day.

St. Joseph 4 0 = 4

Ports. Clay 0 0 = 0