It was just a preliminary-round game of the Bergen County boys' soccer tournament. But Glen Rock and Emerson poured out enough effort and emotion for a final.

After 100 minutes of soccer and a stirring comeback by Emerson to tie the game 3-3, Glen Rock won in a penalty-kick shootout in the near-dark to advance to the next round.

The Panthers won the shootout 4-1, converting on all four of their attempts while Emerson sent two shots wide of the mark.

Glen Rock led 2-0 at the half on goals by Garrett Rosen and Matt Zakowski and appeared to be in control. But the Cavos stepped up their attack after the break. Emerson's leading scorer, Ryan Bartel, set up a goal for Brandon Dossantos to halve the lead. Then after a goal by Anthony D'Onofrio for Glen Rock pushed the margin to 3-1, Bartel answered back a few minutes later.

The tying goal for the Cavos was the goal of the game, with Robert Blau converting on a diving header off a free kick by Justin Whited. Both teams continued their aggressive play throughout regulation but could not break through.

The tempo of the game slowed in overtime, with only a few chances, before the contest ended in somewhat anticlimactic fashion with the shootout.

Panthers goalie John Hayden made nine saves, including a couple of difficult stops. Emerson keeper Anthony Laureano was similarly challenged and came up with eight saves.

Glen Rock, the 12th seed, advances to take on fifth-seeded Bergen Catholic in the first round of the tournament this weekend. The Panthers are 7-1-1 on the season.

The Cavos were the lowest-seeded team in the tournament at #21 but showed they were a worthy entrant. Emerson falls to 7-4-1 overall.

For sports video highlights of this Bergen County tournament boys' soccer game, click play in the box at left.