Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

WHEELERSBURG — The soccer season ended for the St. Joseph Flyers, but not before they took care of some business.

The Wheelersburg Pirates downed the Flyers 6-0 on Wednesday in the Division III sectional soccer tournament finals.

With the loss, the Flyers finished the season 9-7-2 that included a sectional win on Monday over Portsmouth Clay.

“The first goal was to win more games than last season and they tripled the number of wins,” said Flyers’ coach Mike Balestra. “The second goal was to win 10 games. They only made nine, but it was a great effort.

“The final goal was to win a tournament game and they did that.

“The St. Joseph community should be proud of this team for their hard work and dedication. I am. They are a great bunch of kids.”

Flyers’ goalkeeper Joey Bush racked up 16 saves while Daniel Davidson had one.

St. Joseph had nine shots on goal with Wheelersburg putting up 34 shots. The Pirates had four corner kicks.

The Pirates led 2-0 at the half before scoring four times in the second half.

Ethan McCain scored four goals including both first half scores. Keith Thurmer and Dolton Wood had the other goals.

Christian Hughes had two assists while Nathan Briggs, Dalton Ramey, Andrew Risner and Chance Holbrook had one each.

“The game was close through the 60-minute mark. After that, we lost our composure and made some mistakes that put the game out of reach,” said Balestra.

Neither team had an offside penalty. St. Joseph had five fouls and the Pirates four.

St. Joseph 0 0 = 0

Wheelersburg 2 4 = 6

First Half

Wh — Ethan McCain (assist Christian Hughes) 33:47

Wh — Ethan McCain (assist Nathan Briggs) 26:19

Second Half

Wh — Keith Thurmer (assist Andrew Risner) 27:04

Wh — Ethan McCain (assist Dalton Ramey) 18:20

Wh — Ethan McCain (assist Christian Hughes) 10:43

Wh — Dolton Wood (assist Chance Holbrook) 6:35