NAZARETH — With 42 seconds left on the clock, it appeared as though Pleasant Valley would have one last chance to tie Freedom in regulation during the District 11 Class 4A boys’ soccer semifinal.

But it was not to be as the Bears’ season came to an end Tuesday night at Nazareth High School.

“They didn’t want it to end,” said Pleasant Valley head coach Alex Wunder after falling to the Patriots, 1-0. “None of them wanted it to end. I didn’t want it to end.

“I wanted the season to keep going forever, but we all know in sports, that can’t happen. They’re taking it rough right now, but I’m sure they’ll get through it. I think down the road, they’ll see how much they accomplished and how everyone is so proud of them.”

Tuesday was the third time the Bears took on the Patriots, and this time was their best showing.

“I actually think we dominated the first 40 minutes of the game, the first half and parts of the second half, but we did have a 10-to-15 minute lull there in the second half, and they scored during that time period. So, it’s tough. We’ve got to look at it and just tip our hats to them,” Wunder said.

Scoreless at halftime, Pleasant Valley had been outplaying Freedom in shots and corners. A shot by Mirza Sabovic hit the left post with 17:45 left in the first half.

“He got around one of our defenders,” said Freedom goalie Derek Bast, who had eight saves. “I’m pretty sure I got a shoulder on it and off the post, and thankfully it went wide.”

A shot by Zion Moore also went wide in the first half.

“To be honest, I was happy with the way we played the first half, and I honestly think we dominated that first half if you look at the shots, and you look at the corner kicks. We outshot them, had more corners, did everything right,” said Wunder. “We just couldn’t put it in the back of the net. We had one go off the post. Just unlucky.”

The Patriots took notice and regrouped at halftime.

“We needed to come out with another game plan because they came out hard at us in that first half,” said Bast.

“Down to the last minute, it was very nerve-wracking, but I heard Austin [Hoffert] shielding Zion and he told me to come out, so I just came out and did my best to control the ball.”

That was Pleasant Valley’s last chance — the last 42 seconds — when the Patriots were able to hold on and keep the ball away from Moore.

“They’re a very solid team,” said Freedom forward Bradley Turocy, who scored the game’s only goal with 19:57 left in the second half. “I love playing against them, I love playing against their defense, all great guys. We were definitely a little nervous at the start.”

Pleasant Valley goalkeeper Christopher Price had five saves.

“This is such a special group, and when I found out the circumstances the beginning of the year and what was going to happen, yeah, I was thrilled to bring these boys together and try to win some soccer games,” said Wunder. “I’m so proud of them.”

3-2-1 .. The first time Pleasant Valley faced Freedom, the Patriots won, 3-0. The second time it was 2-0, and the third time, 1-0. “Yes, I would love to play them again,” said Wunder. “It’s always a good match up, so I thought this game, out of the three, was definitely the best one we played.”

SENIORITIS ... Both teams are heavily-laden with seniors, Pleasant Valley with nine and Freedom with 10, and most are starters, meaning there will be many gaps to fill on both sides next season.

WHEN YOU DO EVERYTHING RIGHT ... “We won the Mountain Division, we got into a conference final for the first time in school history, we got into a district semifinal for the first time in maybe eight years, so I’m thrilled and happy for everything they’ve accomplished,” Wunder said.