VIRGINIA BEACH – Nansemond-Suffolk’s soccer team opened its new season with good attacking, creativity and aggression Thursday afternoon at Bishop Sullivan Catholic. The only thing missing was a really big one, putting the ball into the net.

The Saints totaled 21 shots and forced 12 saves by Crusader goalie Chris Hein, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Crusaders who prevailed 2-0.

NSA’s 2009 season came to a close on the same field, in the Tidewater Conference Tournament, with the Saints dropping their third one-goal match of the season to Bishop Sullivan.

In many ways, Thursday’s contest was a closer, better-played one by the Saints compared to last year, when NSA relied more on persistent defense and trying to capitalize on quick breaks down the field in its three matches versus the Crusaders.

Instead though, Bishop Sullivan scored goals in the 16^th and 65^th minutes to deal the Saints the loss in the non-Tidewater Conference match.

Senior Chris Sharrett and freshman Preston Firnstahl put dangerous chances on goal in the first few minutes.

When the game sped up and the field opened up, it suited the Saints. When Bishop Sullivan gained possession, the Crusaders could keep the Saints pinned in for good stretches of the match.

In the closing stages of the first half, Preston Firnstahl and Matt Atienza volleyed shots from inside the Bishop Sullivan box and wide midfielder Travis Brothers nearly scored on a breakaway, set up by a pass from Tucker Firnstahl.

Tucker, a sophomore, and Preston Firnstahl, both new to NSA’s varsity squad, sparked NSA’s midfield play with creative dribbling and passing.

In the second half, while the match was still 1-0, Tucker Firnstahl came close on two occasions to drawing penalty kicks. He was tackled inside the box, once well late after he had passed the ball away, but no foul came either time.

The match was physical, but in a competitive way, on both sides. Bishop Sullivan was whistled for 13 fouls and NSA for nine. No cards were given to either team.

After Bishop Sullivan’s second goal, NSA was denied even a consolation goal. With a few minutes remaining, off a corner kick, a deflected shot went to forward Zach Taves. Taves shot past the Crusader keeper only to find the inside of the left post and have his shot rebound out.

Senior goalie Adam Florian made eight saves for the Saints.

NSA has its home opener Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. against Cape Henry.