An overflow crowd at the Youth Sports Inc. fields witnessed a treat Tuesday, and it didn’t involve a bit of scoring.

The Free State and Lawrence High boys soccer teams once again spiced up an already intense rivalry, battling for 100 minutes before the rulebook insisted that the action stop. The final score was 0-0 after two overtimes, but nobody left with an empty feeling.

“It would’ve just taken one golden goal on either side,” LHS co-coach Matt Makens said, “and we would’ve had a winner.”

Instead, it was an emotionally draining matchup that featured outstanding defense from both sides, oh-so-close offensive chances and two teams that walked away surprisingly satisfied at the double-overtime thriller.

“I was really proud of how both teams played,” Firebirds coach Jason Pendleton said. “It was a great game.”

Both Free State (1-0-1) and Lawrence (0-3-1) had prime opportunities to score that golden goal.

LHS junior Dustin Billings fired a usually useless shot from 20 yards out that ended up drilling the crossbar over the outstretched arms of FSHS goalkeeper Aaron Williams.

LHS senior Chris Armstrong also had a second-half shot that plunked the post.

And then there was Free State forward Joel Angelone, who was smothered by LHS defenders all night. Angelone’s best opportunity came late in the second half, when he spun around and had a rare clear shot on goal. He failed, however, to unleash a crisp shot.

Free State and Lawrence High soccer players battle for a possession in the teams' scoreless, double-overtime tie. Pictured during the game Tuesday at the Youth Sports Inc fields are, from left, Free State's Aaron Ideus, Lawrence's Pharouk Hussein, Free State's Scott Schumaker and Brian Ozorkewicz and the Lions' Brett Courtney and Dustin Billings.

After shanking the attempt, Angelone dropped to his knees in disgust — the seemingly unanimous feeling by both teams’ forwards after losing a 100-minute war to the defenders.

“When there’s a zero at the end of the game,” Pendleton said, “your defense obviously did some positive things.”

For the Lions, it was a much-needed step in the right direction. In its first three games, LHS surrendered eight goals and often pointed out a lack of organization for defensive breakdowns.

¢ 6Sports video: City teams play to tie

“Free State is really skilled up top,” Makens said. “Once they get themselves open, they have an incredible shot at a goal. Our defense stepped up big-time.”

The Lions will take a week off before playing at Olathe East Tuesday. Free State will play host to Topeka Hayden Saturday.

Regardless, neither team realistically can expect its next game to be as intense as Tuesday’s was.

“Each year, it gets more and more popular,” Makens said. “The rivalry gets stronger. It’s nice to see the cheering fans. The guys always have higher morale when there’s fans cheering them on.”

Free State's Joel Angleone, left, battles Lawrence High's Brett Courtney for the ball. The teams played to a 0-0 tie Tuesday at the Youth Sports Inc. fields.