PEABODY — In game one of the fall season, Bishop Fenwick’s boys soccer team (0-1) fell to Salem Academy (1-0) in a 4-0 matchup at Donaldson Stadium.
“They came with good energy,” Fenwick coach Julius Pertilla said. “I have a young team, but they’re very eager to learn.”
Fenwick’s youth was evident from the start, as three of Salem Academy’s four scores were off Crusader turnovers on the backline.
Sixteen minutes into the match, it was Blaise Nkwetta taking advantage of a defensive mishap and putting one away for Salem Academy (1-0).
Salem continued to pile on the pressure through the first half, using its speed and foot skills on the outside to consistently wreak havoc. Allan Nyochembeng and Blaise Nkwetta were much to thank for that, as they worked together to double the lead in the first half (2-0).
Even with the pressure, Fenwick showed fight. Center back Peyton Oreste continued to track back and make plays, including a stop on Salem’s 3-on-1 counter attack.
Fenwick Goalie Danny Rowan also showed his athleticism throughout the half. He gave credit to his young back line, also.
“We’ve got a young group of kids here. So my defense in front of me, I completely trust them,” Rowan said. “They’re a bunch of great guys and we’re working on being confident.”
As the second half rolled around, Salem continued to control the pace of play, but it didn’t come without a plethora of Fenwick chances. A ringer off the near post, a goal-line clearance, and a last-second offside call took scores off the board for Fenwick.
Pertilla took note.
“[Finishing is] something that we always try to look at. I always try to practice and finish,” he said. “You know, the individual players have to go and put the work in on their own and then try and become better players.”
Atehnkeng Njinju added two for Salem in the second half to push the score to 4-0, but there were plenty of positives on the other side.
Fenwick’s midfield showed flashes of greatness, with Benjamin Beader and Marcus Simon serving as the focal points with their ball controlling.
“The first thing to teach a young young player is how to control the ball,” Pertilla said. “So, that’s what we’re working on.”
Rowan kept shining, too. His work, not only as a goalkeeper, but as a defender, was key to his game, keeping a high line and forcing Salem attackers outside his own box.
“Coach Julius has really helped me with this and I think it works great,” Rowan said.
Pertilla had only positives for his captain goalkeeper.
“As a freshman, he already came in with the right attitude,” Pertilla said. “He’s been working hard every summer, every spring, and every winter on his goalkeeping. And right now, what you’re seeing is the reward of his hard work – that’s why he’s a captain.”
