Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

Things worked out just right for the St. Joseph Female Flyers.

Playing their best soccer opponent of the season, the Female Flyers played their best game as they managed a 3-0 win over the Huntington St. Joseph Lady Fighting Irish on Thursday.

“This was definitely the biggest challenge we’ve face so far and our girls met it head on,” said Female Flyers’ coach Kyle Weatherholt.

“Huntington St. Joe controlled the run of play for most of the first half. They’re a very skilled team. They kept the ball and challenged our back line most of the first half.

“Our back line played superb for the entire 80 minutes.”

Weatherholt said Amber Neal did a great job neutralizing the Lady Irish’s standout Rebecca Lee and praised the efforts of Austin Roach, Natalie Heaberlin, Ophelia Weatherholt and goalkeeper Meg Alexander.

A rare possession up front in the 25th minute allowed Lynsey Booker to get the ball to Sydney Payne who beat the goalie with a shot into the left corner of the net and a 1-0 lead.

Kaylee Sheridan then beat the goalkeeper on a driven free kick into the top of the net with 64:00 on the second half clock and it was 2-0.

Booker had a shot blocked but it rolled free and Emma Saxby pounced on the opportunity to hit a shot into the net for the final goal in the 75th minute.

“The difference in the game was our attacking players were able to finish on the few chances we had and our defense was flawless in repelling the numerous attacking chances they created,” said coach Weatherholt.

“There was nothing getting by Amber, Natalie, Ophelia, Austin and Meg tonight.”

St. Joseph (9-0) visits Cross Lanes Christian, W.Va., on Saturday.

Hunt. St. Joseph 0 0 = 0

Ironton St. Joseph 1 2 = 3

First Half

ISJ — Sidney Payne (assist Lynsey Booker) 25:00

Second Half

ISJ — Kaylee Sheridan (unassisted) 64:00

ISJ — Emma Saxby (unassisted) 75:00