It seems like it has been the norm as of late, especially during the 2016 season. When the Emmaus and Parkland boys soccer teams meet each other, the games are competitive, and usually end up with a close score in the end. Last Monday night’s Eastern Pennsylvania Conference showdown at Emmaus High School’s Memorial field was no different.

Parkland’s Josh Kiser scored with one minute left on the clock, matching an earlier goal by the Hornets Jon Heberlein. It tied the score at 1-1 and forced overtime.

Both teams had chances in the two overtime periods, but neither was able to capitalize and the game ended at 1-1. It was the second game between the two rivals this season, and the second tie. They battled to a 0-0 draw back on September 2.

“It was pretty tense,” head coach Patrick Birns said. “We were pressing, pressing, pressing and when Josh Kiser scored the tying goal it was pretty uplifting. I thought maybe we’d score in overtime but I’m still happy to come away from that place with a tie, especially the way we did it.”

Kiser’s goal came off a restart that was played in front of the frame. He headed the ball past Emmaus goalkeeper Dylan Sosnow.

The Green Hornets (5-5-4 overall, 5-4-3 EPC) had lost four of their last five games. The Trojans (10-1-2 overall, 9-0 EPC) only slip up came in a 2-0 loss to South Kent (CT) back on September 17. They had won 10 in a row in the league before last Monday’s tie. But the Parkland-Emmaus game always brings out the best in the players on each team.

“I know Emmaus is struggling some but this is a rivalry and it’s always a hard-fought battle,” Birns said. “The fact that the players know each other so well and the coaching staffs know each other so well, this is what happens. It was just good for us to come in here and not come away with a loss, and keep that streak of conference games without a defeat going.”

During the first half, the two teams were feeling each other out. The Trojans led the game in shots on goal, but the Green Hornets’ defense, and goalie Dylan Sosnow (8 saves) kept their team in it making plays that prevented any damage.

With the game scoreless, Emmaus set up for a direct kick from about 30 yards out. The ball found the head of James Haag. Haag’s header hit off the crossbar and fell to the feet of Heberlein, who neatly slotted the ball home between the legs of Trojans goalie Jacob Varrato to put the Green Hornets ahead with 33:30 remaining.

From there, however, Parkland put relentless pressure on the Emmaus net. After numerous attempts, the Trojans finally broke through with a Kiser’s header.

Even after all of the excitement the first 80 minutes brought, the two, 10-minute overtime periods were less dramatic. Each team had a shot on goal, but neither really threatened to score the winner, and both were happy to leave without taking a loss.