By Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

With only 2 seniors, the St. Joseph Flyers weren’t battle tested coming into the soccer season.

But after 3-0 against 3 heavyweights to start this season, the Flyers are getting battle tested very quickly.

The tough tests continued Monday with a 2-1 win over the Russell Red Devils.

The Flyers are 3-0 as they have beaten South Point, East Carter, Ky., and now Russell.

The Flyers got on the scoreboard early at the 38:12 mark of the first half when senior Wesley Neal took a long assist pass beyond midfield by Eli Whaley into the box.

Neal evaded the goalkeeper and was able to find the back of the net.

St. Joseph got what proved to be the winning goal with 29:29 left in the game.

A crossing pass by senior Landon “Rocky” Rowe from the right side to the foot of Whaley who took his shot from 18 yards out and scored to make it 2-0.

Russell (3-3) scored moments later with some help from the Flyers.

After a misplayed save attempt was deflected, Russell’s Ben Totten scored on an unassisted header with 26:28 left.

Beckham Waginger had another strong game as the Flyers’ goalkeeper as he racked up 8 saves against Russell’s 9 shots on goal.

The Flyers took 10 shots on goal and Russell goalkeeper Caden Hampton had 6 saves.

The Flyers took 2 corner kicks and had 9 fouls. Russell had 3 corner kicks and just 4 fouls.

St. Joseph travels to Western on Thursday for a 5 p.m. Southern Ohio Conference game, the first of the season.

Russell 0 1 = 1

St Joseph 1 1 = 2

First Half

SJ — Wesley Neal (assist Eli Whaley) 38:12

Second Half

SJ — Eli Whaley (assist Landon Rowe) 29:29

Ru — Ben Totten (unassisted) 26:48

—————

Game Statistics

Shot—Russell 14, St. Joseph 10

Shots On Goal—Russell 9, St. Joseph 8

Goalkeeper saves—Russell: Caden Hampton 6; St. Joseph: Beckham Waginger 8

Corner Kicks—Russell 3, St. Joseph 2

Fouls—Russell 4, St. Joseph 9