Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

The St. Joseph Flyers are showing a lot of fight.

After falling behind early, the Flyers fought their way back in the second half to tie the Portsmouth Clay Panthers 3-3 on Tuesday in a soccer game.

“We fell behind 31 early and fought back to tie it up. Both teams played hard and they battled until the final second expired,” said Flyers’ coach Mike Balestra.

Clay went up 2-0 on unassisted goals by Ethan Newton and Tyler Knittle. The Flyers finally got on the scoreboard at th 39-minute mark on a goal by Dylan Arrington with an assist from Alexander Ward.

The Panthers extended the lead to 3-1 on another unassisted goal by Knittle early in the second half, but Blake Balestra scored with an assist from Arrington and then Arrington tied the game on a penalty kick at the 69-minute mark.

“It was a physical game. Both teams had players injured who were unable to finish the game. The boys game 110 percent the entire game and a coach can’t ask for anything more. I am proud of their effort,” said coach Balestra

Joey Bush had nine saves for the Flyers. Jordan Collier had seven for Clay.

Tyler Ward and Judge Williams each had a defensive save for the Flyers.

St. Joseph hosts Portsmouth West next Tuesday.

Ports. Clay 2 1 = 3

St. Joseph 1 2 = 3

First Half

PC — Ethan Newton (unassisted) 33:00

PC — Tyler Knittle (unassisted) 36:00

SJ — Dylan Arrington (assist Alexander Ward) 39:00

Second Half

PC — Tyler Knittle (unassisted) 41:00

SJ — Blake Balestra (assist Dylan Arrington) 53:00

SJ — Dylan Arrington penalty kick 69:00

Saves—St. Joseph: Joey Bush 9, Bradley Rist 1; Clay: Jordan Collier 7.

Corner kicks: St. Joseph 5, Clay 2.

Offside penalties: St. Joseph 9, Clay 0.

Fouls: St. Joseph 8, Clay 11.

Shots on goal: St. Joseph 17, Clay 16.