Kingsford’s Ben Mrozinski (4) looks on as fellow Flivver Marshall Shorkey (11) attempts to outmaneuver Iron Mountain defenders Jacob Pellow (8) and Nicholas Gayan (24) and get a shot on goal in Monday afternoon’s boys soccer match at Mountaineer Stadium. The Flivvers were able to walk off the pitch with a 4-0 victory. (Dennis Mansfield/Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Kingsford boys varsity soccer team was able to start off the week on a high note, dominating the second half of its matchup with local rival Iron Mountain for a 4-0 win at Mountaineer Stadium.

The visiting Flivvers got off to a quick start, when Marshall Shorkey scored on a goal assisted by Jaxon Buckley and Trent Maki just 18 seconds into the first half.

But the host Mountaineers rallied defensively, with both teams moving the ball but unable to score.

“We played a really strong first half,” said Iron Mountain coach Gregory Kulas. “After giving up a goal just 18 seconds into the game, we held them scoreless the rest of the half and were down 1-0 at the half. That was our best half of soccer this season.

“The defense, led by Reese Kangas and Nick Gayan, really stepped up and pressured the Flivvers and limited their scoring opportunities,” he added. “Tyler Winch played another solid game at goalkeeper.”

Kingsford’s Adam Landon (14) and Iron Mountain’s Alex Wilson (10) try to get a leg up on each other while battling for control of the ball during the boys varsity soccer clash between the two local rivals Monday at Mountaineer Stadium. (Dennis Mansfield/Daily News photo)

Kingsford coach Jeff Gordon admitted his team struggled early on, despite having the lead.

“We struggled in the first half because we didn’t play like we practiced,” Gordon said. “We gave Iron Mountain some opportunities that we normally don’t do but found some momentum in the second half that helped us score some goals.

That wouldn’t be the case in the second half, as Kingsford regained the initiative on a goal from Buckley with a through ball from Shorkey.

Iron Mountain looked to have a prime opportunity to get on the scoreboard, after Kingsford was called for a penalty in the box and Iron Mountain had a penalty kick shot that was blocked by Kingsford goalie Landon Adam.

Kingsford scored again 14 minutes in the second half, as Gavyn Laydon launched a 25-foot shot for the unassisted goal. And the Flivvers put the game away for good after Iron Mountain got called for a penalty in the box and Shorkey scored on the penalty kick.

“Landon came up big with that PK save,” Gordon said. “Overall I’m glad we got the win.”