Overall consistency would have made the difference for Northampton’s girls’ soccer team in its 0-0 draw against Freedom on Friday because, as coach Chaz Saul said, other games have not been quite as frustrating.

“If we can get more consistent, we’ll stay around,” Saul said. “Our offense needs work, [for example] instead of passing, strike. Somebody has to be open over the top.”

Defensively, things were working on both teams.

Freedom keeper, Tara Hathaway, had important saves on scoring attempts by Abigail Czarnicki, and when the Patriot offense made back-to-back attempts, one by Emma Joseph and one by Mary Boglioli in the second overtime, the Patriots were denied.

“Our communication was good, I thought,” said Northampton defender, Gaby Ascencio. “We talked a lot and saved [keeper] Gabbi Demchak.

The importance of communication is not lost on fellow centerback, Lexi Peploe.

“We communicate who’s on, pressure, no pressure,” Peploe said. “Our settling with the ball back there and passing to our feet was working.”

On Freedom’s side, better execution overall would have made the difference because, as Coach Bob Eaton, said, it’s never just any one thing.

“Keep it simple,” Eaton said.

Freedom’s overall record is 4-5-1, while Northampton’s record is 2-5-2 overall.

On Thursday, the Patriots will host East Stroudsburg North, who have a record of 0-10, while the K-Kids will travel to Pleasant Valley. Pleasant Valley’s record is 8-0-1.

Boys

The boys soccer team, meanwhile, is on a nice stretch.

The recently beat Eastburg South 4-1

Paul Connolly led the way with two goals for the Kids and Trevor Andrews and Ryan Keenan each added one. Keenan also picked up an assist.

The Kids beat Freedom in a close game at home last Friday, 1-0.

Cameron Peploe scored the game’s only goal in the first half off an assist from Dominic Jackson.

Morgan Heffelfinger made three saves in the victory.

The Kids also beat Easton in a recent game, 2-1.

Keenan and Connolly were the goal scorers for NHS. Keenan’s came on a pass from Peploe while Connolly’s game came from Maxx Venzke.

Heffelfinger made five saves in the win.