And for the second time this season, the teams played 100 minutes of soccer with neither team scoring.

The two teams played a neutral zone battle, with Fredonia getting the best scoring chances throughout the 100 minutes of play, but in the end, coming up empty in the second tie of the year between these teams.

“We were poised in the overtime. Both teams played hard, they had a plan and executed. We’ve played 200 minutes of soccer against each other that no one ended up winning,” said Fredonia coach Jim Rush.

Chautauqua Lake was the dominant team for the first part of the first half, as they put on the most pressure and dominated possession. The Billies were able to settle down and take control of the game after that.

OBSERVER Photo by Ron Szot At right, Fredonia’s Ronan Murphy (5) heads a ball away from Chautauqua Lake forward Hunter Harris (17).

“I thought we had a lot of opportunity, we just couldn’t quite finish, and that’s how it goes sometimes. After the first ten minutes, I thought we were fine,” Rush said.

The game continued back and forth for the remainder of the first half, as Fredonia was trying to find their footing. Heading into the half, both teams started to make adjustments, with most of the adjustments coming from both teams trying to break the ice.

“Late in the match, I changed our formation and put another striker up top, but it’s hard that deep into a game to change anything. I don’t change a whole lot, I like to keep it consistent and focus on execution,” said Chautauqua Lake coach Eric Daigler.

Down to the wire, it took a lot of effort on both sides, which is something Rush never questions about his team.

“I always tell this group that I never have to question effort, that’s never in doubt. I’m very proud of them for that,” Rush said.

The few chances there were down the stretch came from Fredonia, meaning Chautauqua Lake’s backline had to be strong. Fortunately for them, their keeper was a rock.

“Erik Peterson is a phenomenal goaltender and has been all of this season and last. I’m very proud of that senior in particular,” Daigler said. Peterson would finish the game with 16 saves.

Moving on from this one, Fredonia, who is undefeated in their last four, faces a tough test in the form of the Southwestern Trojans on Wednesday.

“We’re in good shape heading into Wednesday for Southwestern. They’re the best team in the league, and they’ve proven it. But we’ll see what happens on Wednesday,” Rush said.

Meanwhile, the T-Birds, who view the tie against Fredonia as a success for them, will look to redeem themselves for an earlier loss in the season, as the Olean Huskies come to town.

“We lost to them early in the season in their place, and it was disappointing for us. The boys will be ready to go,” Daigler said.

The Thunderbirds (4-5-2, 2-2-2) will take on the Huskies at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, while the ‘Billies (3-3-2, 3-1-2) will have their showdown with the Trojans at 4:30 p.m. in Southwestern on Wednesday.