LYNN — A 1-0 loss to an undefeated team would almost seem like a moral victory, especially if that same team drilled you two weeks ago.
That was the situation Monday at Manning Field as Bishop Fenwick came away with a loss to St. Mary’s, 1-0, on a late goal that may have happened only because the Crusaders’ goalie hurt his wrist on a previous play.
The last time the teams played, Fenwick took it on the chin, 5-0.
“So yeah,” said Crusaders coach Tony Enos, “it almost seems like a victory.”
Almost. He wasn’t happy about what he thought was a missed call that perhaps would have stopped play prior to St. Mary’s goal — by Joe Thongsythavong — in the 64th minute of the game.
It was an unfortunate play for Fenwick — and a fortuitous one for the Spartans. Fenwick keeper Brian Harrington had leapt to punch out a Spartan shot, but in the process, he lost his footing and fell, rolling over on his wrist.
Because of that, he had trouble getting back up. He did, but he couldn’t jump in time to save Thongsythavong’s high, arching shot from dropping down into the net.
Unfortunately, the extra effort may cost Harrington. According to Enos, he went to the hospital for X-rays and he fears Harrington might have a broken wrist.
“If it weren’t for the fact that he fell down, he probably would have been able to make that save,” Enos said.
As for St. Mary’s coach Mike D’Agostino, he’s happy with everything his team has accomplished.
“We’re 10-0 and we’ve been playing well,” he said. “Eight of those wins have been by shutout, and our goalie, Rich Mateo, has done everything we’ve asked him to do. Defensively we’ve been solid. We just have trouble finding the back of the net.
“Today, I thought we played well and had the momentum,” he said. “And Joe’s was a beautiful goal. Brian Harrington is a very good goalie, and he’s played well for Fenwick.”
The first half was played almost exclusively between the 30s as neither team generated many solid chances.
The pace quickened in the second half, as besides the Spartans’ goal, Chris Garcia hit a post in the 79th minute that, had the ball gone in, would have given the Spartans some breathing room down the stretch.
D’Agostino feels his October schedule, during which the Spartans are on the road much of the time, will present a real challenge for the team.
Enos was very happy with the way his team played, and especially pleased with defender Anthony Capo.
“He made some real nice plays out there,” Enos said.
