Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

The games have been close all season for the St. Joseph Flyers.

Thursday was no different.

St. Joseph played yet another tough game before falling to the heavily-favored Wheelersburg Pirates 2-1 in a soccer game.

“This was another hard-fought game. Wheelersburg is one of the better teams in Southeast Ohio,” said Flyers’ coach Mike Balestra.

“We held our own against them and almost pulled off a victory. The boys held their own against them and almost pulled off the victory. The boys played hard, smart and together. They played as one. It was a good team effort.”

Wheelersburg (10-1) took a 2-0 lead on an unassisted goal by Ethan McCain with 13:00 on the clock and on a penalty kick by McCain at the 28-minute mark.

St. Joseph (3-3-3) cut the deficit to 2-1 just one minute later when Zac McGraw scored off an assist by Isaac Whaley.

The Flyers host Chesapeake on Tuesday.

Wheelersburg 2 0 = 2

St. Joseph 1 0 = 1

First Half

Wh — McCain (unassisted) 13:00

Wh — McCain (penalty kick) 28:00

SJ — Zac McGraw (assist by Isaac Whaley) 29:00

Saves—St. Joseph 17 (Joey Bush); Wheelersburg 7 (Zach Jordan)

Shots on goal—St. Joseph 16, Wheelersburg 28

Corner Kicks—St. Joseph 1, Wheelersburg 6

Fouls—St. Joseph 10, Wheelersburg 7