Milford's Ryon Constable gets a shot off while pressured by HB defender John Kotelly during Saturday's 1-1 tie in Hollis. (Telegraph photo by TOM KING)

HOLLIS – In many ways, it was fitting that Saturday’s battle of Division II boys soccer unbeatens Milford and Hollis Brookline ended in a 1-1 tie.

Both teams had their moments, both teams had their stretches of sustained pressure.

And neither was able to get that one goal for the win.

“It was a great game, they’re a great opponent,” Milford coach Anson Thibault said. “We came in 7-0, they came in 8-0, can’t ask for a better game mid-season. … Happy with the way we performed, happy with the way they performed, it was just a good effort from both teams.”

“It was a great game,” Cavaliers coach Steve Martus said. “Great defense. We shut down a team that has been chucking people offensively.”

Indeed, the Spartans had been averaging five goals a game, but it took them until the 70th minute to get what was the equalizer, a free kick by Aiden Cremonini. The Cavaliers had taken a 1-0 lead on a perfect corner kick by Hunter Crea just 3:37 into the second half that Spartans keeper Avery Wilson (four saves) had no chance on.

The Cavs were actually missing a couple of starters, but still hung tough, especially down the stretch when a few of his players began cramping as the Spartans were able to get the equalizer.

Still, the performance meant a lot.

“It means that when we get to playoffs, and we get to the times when it matters, we can go toe-to-toe with a top four team,” Martus said, “and get to the championship.”

“I think we moved the ball really well, and we showed heart,” Thibault said. “We were down 1-0 away, Homecoming Weekend (for the Cavs) and we were able to fight back. … This will help us moving forward.”

Both teams had chances in the extra sessions. Cavs keeper John Sommers (four stops) robbed Spartan Tyler O’Brien with an acrobatic save while HB had an indirect kick go wide.

Circle Friday, Oct. 8 on your calendar, as that’s when the rematch takes place in Milford.

“They’re a good team, we’re a good team,” Thibault said. “We’ll see them again in two weeks and who knows in the playoffs.”