PEABODY — Bishop Fenwick’s boys soccer team played host to Catholic Central League foe Cardinal Spellman Wednesday afternoon. Despite allowing just one goal, that’s all the visitors needed in a 1-0 final.

Fenwick’s Edwin Flores drew a penalty kick with 10 minutes remaining and Ben Beader came on to kick. But what looked like a good goal bounced off the left post and out.

“The game is cruel like that when you miss your opportunities, so it came back to bite us,” said Fenwick coach Julius Pertillar. “We missed the penalty kick, we missed about four sitters inside the six-point blank, and sometimes, that’s how it is when you’re playing with a young team and you’ve got to finish your opportunities.”

The Crusaders found a few more chances late, but couldn’t find the back of the net.

“It was a great game,” said Pertillar, whose Crusaders dipped to 4-7-3 and rank No. 44 in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings. “Spellmen always plays us tough. They always play a great game and they deserved the win. …We were really unlucky. We missed a lot of really, really good chances in front of the goal and that’s how the game is sometimes.” 

From beginning to end, Flores was all over the field for the Crusaders and creating opportunities. Goaltender Danny Rowan made some key saves in the first half to keep things scoreless.

Jackson Armata and Beader provided defensive sparks, which led to much-needed momentum for Fenwick. But unfortunately for the hosts, in the second half, Spellman’s Thomas DaSilva was the only one to score.

“Great, competitive game between two teams that are pretty evenly-matched up and down the field,” said Spellman coach Michael Gerrish. “I thought we played really well. We had some golden chances. We hit the crossbar and they did the same. They had a penalty kick off the post and they had a couple point-blanks, but our keeper did a great job. … I love Julius. He’s a great coach and he does a great job with these guys. It’s always a good battle with them.”

Fenwick looks to bounce back at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, but it will have to be on enemy soil against Arlington Catholic.

“We just have to keep our heads up and get ready for the next game,” Pertillar said.

Owen Finn is a student at Endicott College studying journalism