After 100 minutes of play, Freedom and Nazareth’s girls soccer teams ended their match in a 0-0 tie last Wednesday at Freedom.

Could the Pates have done anything differently to avenge an earlier loss against the Blue Eagles?

“We could’ve scored a goal,” Freedom coach Bob Eaton laughed. “We played a really, really good team. We hung with them, they had a little bit better play than us, had some opportunities to win the game. They have a solid defense that’s very tough to score upon, but overall, I’m happy with today’s result.”

Freedom’s defense, including goalkeeper Megan Raffino who had 13 saves, also made it tough on the Blue Eagles. Very tough.

“I had a lot of anxiety back there,” Raffino said. “Nazareth girls, they’re always a really good team to play, but of course, I’m very confident in my team. It was a well-fought game, and my defense did an amazing job today. I was proud of the way I played today too.”

Nazareth took seven shots in the second half, some high, some wide, others saved by Raffino, and with 1:50 left in the first overtime, Kailey Turpening cleared the ball before Raffino made another big save with: 30 remaining.

“They’re the best team in the league, so I’m really proud of how we played,” said Raffino. “Both teams played really, really well. It was a really good game, so I’m taking it as a win for all of us.”

In the second overtime, Nazareth’s Mikela Mooney took a shot that trickled wide to the left thanks to Raffino. Two minutes later, Mooney went for two more, one that hit the crossbar and one that was saved by Raffino.

Freedom had its chances too. Natalia Triscari took a shot from 25 yards out with: 20 remaining in regulation. Grace Joseph made an attempt early in the first overtime, just one of several chances taken by the Pates in those first few minutes.

“They really forced us to possess,” said Patriot midfielder Addison Roemersma, “and when a team does that, it’s kind of tiring. Nazareth has a great defense. They really hold their shape well, and I think we have to work on connecting more.”

Coach Eaton noted that since Freedom is not that deep, the Pates’ back four and middle three played the whole game.

“When you play a good team, you have to take advantage of any opportunities you get. They’re not going to give you a lot of opportunities,” Eaton said. “We couldn’t put the ball in the net. They couldn’t put the ball in the net. Good game, two pretty evenly matched teams, so I’m very happy.”