In a tense and thrilling matchup that stretched into overtime, Metea girls’ soccer fell just short against the Naperville North Huskies, losing 3-2 on Monday night. Despite a relentless effort and moments of brilliance on both ends of the field, the Mustangs couldn’t hold off a late surge from their conference rivals.
As the national anthem played through the stadium, both teams stood with the pride of their school under them, both trying to prove to the other why they deserve to be the best. The crowd could feel the intensity radiating from the players. This was gonna be a hard fought battle between two of the best in the DVC, and that’s exactly what would happen.
To begin the game, the Huskies started off fast, applying the pressure. North earned many corners throughout the half, but Metea stayed strong on defense, clearing the ball away. In the 25th minute, Metea came back with a great chance off a corner of their own. It was evident early that the game could go either way.
Late in the half, the Huskies conceded fouls, which gave Metea even more chances from free kicks, but nothing would come of them. The half would end the same way it started, with North on the attack.
Going to halftime 0-0, both teams had talks with their coaches. Metea needed to switch the momentum back to their side, as pretty much the whole first half, they had been offensively dominant.
It seemed the halftime talk was a little spark for the Mustang squad, as only minutes into the second half, senior Lily Senese put a powerful shot on net that went perfectly through the keeper’s hands. Just like that, the Mustangs had the lead and a ginormous confidence boost. The Mustangs didn’t stop there, starting right where they left off and earning themselves a corner only minutes after their first goal. They would take this corner fast and short, which would trip up North’s defense. After a fast pass into the box, senior Chloe Birch turned and put the ball right in the back of the net. The Mustangs not only had the momentum but also a 2-0 lead. Naperville North would have its own opportunities, but Metea still created their own great chances, notably off a shot from senior Isabelle Leofanti, when the ball hit the top bar, nearly slipping under.
After a few more exchanges, North finally rallied together after a header from a Huskie off a corner to get on the board. This was just what they needed to instill energy in the team, and it proved true. North offensively controlled the next 10 minutes of the game, eventually tying it up the same way as the first time, off a corner kick header into the bottom right.
Both teams had their offensive chances for the rest of regular time, the game seeming possible to go either way as each minute passed. Senior Lily Senese had a great shot; this one also hit the top bar, nearly giving the Mustangs the lead. Regular time ended, sending teams into double extra time.
Both teams came out fierce in overtime, both fighting as hard as they could for the win. The Mustangs ended up conceding a penalty shot, Naperville North capitalizing on the opportunity. This game ended with the Huskies making a comeback and winning the game 3-2.
Despite the heartbreaking result, the Mustangs showed grit, skill, and fight in a game that could’ve gone either way. They’ll look to bounce back and close out the regular season strong on Senior Night at home against Hinsdale Central, Wednesday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m.
