Highland goalkeeper Ziyad Atesal watched players from both teams jostle for position in his box as midfielder Matt Bogaczyk raised his arm to signal a corner kick. Then the final whistle blew, ending 100 minutes of scoreless soccer between Highland and Marlboro.

The crosstown rivals played through regulation and two overtime periods before settling for a 0-0 tie in what proved to be a defensive battle punctuated by outstanding goalkeeping.

Marlboro’s Evan McGrail matched Atesal save for save, making crucial stops and clearances to keep Highland off the scoreboard. The Dukes goalkeeper repeatedly stepped up with diving saves and last-second swats to send shots toward the corner flag.

Highland controlled the opening 10 minutes, keeping pressure away from Atesal’s goal. But as the match wore on, both teams created scoring chances that were turned away by stellar defensive play.

Marlboro striker Chris Broderick found himself in several scoring positions but couldn’t find the back of the net. The Highland defense, anchored by Atesal, disrupted each attacking run and penalty kick opportunity.

“They worked hard. That’s something that you really can’t teach,” Highland coach Matt Earley said. “They just have the desire, they have the drive, and that’s probably our biggest asset as a team.”

The tie was Highland’s third match to go beyond 80 minutes in their last five games. The Huskies earned a 2-1 overtime victory over Dover High School earlier this season.

Despite the strong defensive showing, Earley acknowledged his team needs to improve its offensive production ahead of their Sept. 18 match against Onteora.

“We have to get more creative in the middle, and getting the ball to our forwards,” Earley said. “We’ve got to be more dynamic. It’s been our biggest struggle this season, but we’re getting better every day.”