Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

Perry Mason. Ben Matlock. The St. Joseph Flyers. All three are great defenders.
St. Joseph improved to 9-2-1 on the season thanks to a strong defensive effort as they battled past the Portsmouth Clay Panthers 2-1 on Saturday.
“This was a good win for us. It was an overall great team effort,” said Flyers’ coach Mike Balestra. “We played smart, hard and together as a team.
“Our defense consisting of T.J. Stone, Ethan Clark, Ethan Sheridan, Chase Wilds, Max Weber and Michael Mahlmeister were terrific.”
The Flyers took a 1-0 lead with 4:05 left in the first half on a goal by Isaac Whaley with an assist from Jackson Rowe.
Clay tied the game on Bryce Toomire’s goal at the 38:24 mark of the second half, but Whaley scored again with an assist from Bryce Balestra to get the winning goal at the 8:45 mark.
St. Joseph goalkeeper Jimmy Mahlmeister had an amazing 20 saves. Dakota Dodds had seven for the Panthers.
“Jimmy Mahlmeister is one of the best goalies in the Southeast region. He made several key saves that kept Portsmouth Clay from hitting the back of the net,” said coach Balestra.
The Flyers had 20 shots with nine on goal, one offside penalty, 10 fouls and two corner kicks. Clay had 30 shots with 21 on goal, seven fouls, two offside penalties and one corner kick.
The game was senior night with Ethan Clark, T.J. Stone, Isaac Whaley and Ethan Sheridan honored prior to the game.
St. Joseph hosts Fairland on Monday.
Ports. Clay 0 1 = 1
St. Joseph 1 1 = 2
First Half
SJ — Isaac Whaley (Jackson Rowe assist) 4:05
Second Half
PC — Bryce Toomire (unassisted) 38:24
SJ — Isaac Whaley (Bryce Balestra assist) 8:45
Saves — Clay: Dakota Dodds 7; St. Joseph: Jimmy Mahlmeister 20