Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

The spotlight was on the defense, and it turned out to shine brightly.

The St. Joseph Flyers used a strong defensive effort and clutch scoring to edge the Lincoln County Panthers 2-1 on Thursday in a boys’ soccer game.

“Our defense did an excellent job tonight, especially after we got the go-ahead goal,” said Flyers’ coach Mike Arrington.

“Teaching defenders good technique and how to be patient and smart is challenging, but in may opinion, that’s where games are won and lost and our defenders have made great strides this season.”

After a scoreless first half, Joseph Payton scored with an assist from Zac McGraw in the third minutes of the second half. The Panthers scored four minutes later to tie the game.

But with less than 15 minutes to play, Dylan Arrington scored the winning goal on a cross from Tre Neal.

“Our bench played very well tonight and that helped us, too,” said coach Arrington. Our winning goal was exciting for me as a coach and a parent, and I look forward to developing more scoring opportunities for us from the midfield.”

Goalie Joey Bush had six saves for St. Joseph (3-5-2).

The Flyers visit New Boston at 6 p.m. Tuesday.