Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

NEW BOSTON — As it turned out, that’s the way the ball bounces.

Badly.

A bad bounce proved to be the difference as the New Boston Tigers edged the St. Joseph Flyers 3-2 Wednesday in a soccer game.

New Boston got an own goal that tied the game.

“Our defensive positioning was correct. We just go an unlucky bounce,” said Flyers’ coach Tim Hopkins.

The Flyers went up 1-0 on a goal by Eli Lewis off an assist by Joseph Payton at the 19:58 mark of the first half.

The own goal tied the game and then New Boston went up 2-1 on a goal at the 35:00 mark.

But the Flyers answered in machine gun-quick fashion as Sidney Payne scored an unassisted goal just 16 seconds later.

But the Flyers were scoreless in the second half and New Boston managed a goal from 9 yards out with 19:20 on the clock that proved to be the difference.

“Our execution improved as the match went on right up to the final whistle and our bench contributed with strong play,” said Hopkins.

The Flyers play at 6 p.m. Thursday at Greenup County, Ky.

St. Joseph 2 0 = 2

New Boston 2 1 = 3

First Half

SJ — Eli Lewis (Joseph Payton assist) 19:58

NB — Own goal 32:13

NB — Goal 35:00

SJ — Sidney Payne (unassisted) 35:16

Second Half

NB — Goal 19:20

Game Statistics

Shots on goal—St. Joseph: 11; New Boston: 15

Corner kicks—St. Joseph: 3; New Boston 6.

Direct kicks—St. Joseph: 5; New Boston: 15

Keeper saves—St. Joseph: 13 (Justin Mahlmeister); New Boston 9.