Freedom’s boys’ soccer team played to its fourth tie in five recent games against Northwestern last Wednesday at Freedom where the game ended, 0-0.

“It is very unusual,” said Freedom coach Matt Reightler. “In the last three games we’ve had the lead and felt like we should have come away with those wins. Tonight was one of our most complete performances we’ve put together. Unfortunately, it was the first time all season we couldn’t find a way to put the ball in the back of the net.”

One of the Pates’ best chances came with 14:00 left when a shot by Jared Whitehorn from the left just missed to the right and rolled slowly, but the Pates were unable to get to it in time.

In overtime, Michael Gschrey had two big runs, outpacing the Northwestern Lehigh defense.

“I try to beat my man and get us on the score sheet every time I step on the field. It didn’t fall in today, but we played a great game,” Gschrey said. “I hope we can keep the success and keep ourselves undefeated because we’re playing great soccer.”

As Reightler pointed out, the Pates and the Tigers play similar games.

“In many aspects we cancel each other out,” he said. “The way we look at it, we’ve played 480 minutes in the last five games, and we have not quit. We know that postseason, we will be able to turn these into wins.”

Freedom goalkeeper Derek Bast made nine difficult saves.

“Derek deserves that arm band in the back there. He’s our leader through and through,” said Patriot defender Zach Raffino. “We all know how to play. We’re all good players. You get to that point and training takes over. Look at our summer regimen, just running for the first hour, so we all can do it. We’re all in shape.”

The Patriots’ mental toughness was just as important throughout the number of overtime games they have played this season.

“I’m just happy we’re coming out every night, and we’re competing, and going 100 minutes four times in the last two weeks, and standing up with the top teams in the EPC and the Colonial League,” said Freedom mid Zach Fereno. “Going 100 minutes, and going the distance, even if we were up goals but staying in it and not letting them get the extra one, the go-ahead, that means a lot.”