Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

GALLIPOLIS — No matter how deep the hole, the St. Joseph Flyers always seem to find a way to climb out.

Falling behind early, the Flyers rallied and finished with a 3-3 tie against the Ohio Valley Christian Defenders on Tuesday in a soccer game.

“We fell behind 3-0 early and fought back hare to tie it up,” said Flyers’ coach Mike Balestra.

“We dig ourselves into a hole almost every game and have to mount a comeback to make it a game. I can’t fault our players for not giving up. I’m proud of their effort.”

Two unassisted goals by Justin Sizemore and a penalty kick goal by Justin Beaver gave OVC a 3-0 lead.

The Flyers broke into the scoring column on a goal by Isaac Whaley with an assist from Clay Willis at the 13-minute mark.

St. Joseph got within 3-2 at the half when Peyton Adkins scored thanks to an assist by Whaley at 32:00.

Adkins scored a goal with another assist by Whaley at the 59:00 mark of the game to tie the score.

Goalkeeper Joey Bush had 14 saves for the Flyers while Marshall Hood had 12 for OVC.

St. Joseph visits Fairland on Thursday.

St. Joseph 2 1 = 3

Ohio Valley 3 0 = 3

First Half

OVC — Justin Sizemore unassisted

OVC — Justin Sizemore unassisted

OVC — Justin Beaver penalty kick

SJ — Isaac Whaley (assist Clay Willis)

SJ — Peyton Adkins (assist Isaac Whaley)

Second Half

SJ — Peyton Adkins (assist Bryson Canter)

SJ — Peyton Adkins (assist Isaac Whaley)

Saves: SJ 14 (Joey Bush goalie); OVC 12 (Marshall Hood)

Corner kicks: SJ 4, OVC 1

Offside penalty: SJ 3, OVC 0

Fouls: SJ 14, OVC 4.

Shots on goal: SJ 23, OVC 24