Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

Adversity seems to bring out the best in the St. Joseph Flyers.

Locked in another tight game that saw the opposition score on a penalty kick and an errant goal, the Flyers battled back to tie the New Boston Tigers 3-3 on Tuesday in a soccer game.

“This was a hard-fought game by both teams as it has been for most of the season,” said Flyers’ coach Mike Balestra. “We were faced with more adversity, but this team has a lot of heart. They never give up no matter what adversity comes their way.”

Blake Balestra scored an unassisted goal to give St. Joseph a 1-0 lead four minutes into the game.

But New Boston took a 2-1 lead on a penalty kick by Kyle McQuithy and a goal by Kade Conley with an assist from Dylan Rawlins at the 10-minute mark.

Blake Balaestra got another unassisted goal at the 44-minute mark to tie the game again only to have Drake Truitt get an unassisted goal to put the Tigers up 3-2 with 67:00 on the clock.

But the Flyers tied the game three minutes later on an unassisted goal by Tre Neal.

“Our defense played well and transitioned the ball well. Clay Willis, Daniel Hodge, Tyler Ward and Judge Williams kept the defensive pressure on New Boston,” said coach Balestra.

“They controlled the midfield. Isaac Whaley and Alex Ward had a good game at holding the middle. The last 10 minutes of the game was exciting as both teams worked hard to try to second the win.”

Flyers’ goalie Joey Bush registered 10 saves. Jeremy Conkel had 6 for New Boston.

St. Joseph hosts Wheelersburg on Thursday.

New Boston 2 1 = 3

St. Joseph 1 2 = 3

First Half

SJ — Blake Balestra (unassisted) 4:00

NB — Kyle McQuithy penalty kick 7:00

NB — Kade Conley (assist Dylan Rawlins) 10:00

Second Half

SJ — Blake Balestra (unassisted) 44:00

NB — Drake Truitt (unassisted) 67:00

SJ — Tre Neal (unassisted) 70:00

Saves — St. Joseph: 10 (Joey Bush; New Boston 6 (Jeremy Conkel)

Shots on Goal — St. Joseph 20, New Boston 16

Corner Kicks — St. Joseph 4, New Boston 4

Fouls — St. Joseph 6, New Boston 3

Offside Penalties — St. Joseph 3, New Boston 2