As players took center field, hands to their hearts, the national anthem ringing through the air, each player was excited to set the tone for a strong soccer season debut.
The Mustangs showed they were a force to be reckoned with in a strong and hard-fought matchup. Mustang Soccer defeated the Wildcats in a 1-0 win after a late goal in the 2nd on Monday night. With brilliant efforts on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, Metea has given itself a strong start to its 2026 season.
The sun set over the horizon, setting the perfect scene for the start of Mustang Soccer Season. With only six varsity returners, the Mustangs looked to prove that their new team was just as strong a squad. Along with this, the team had the added pressure of facing the Nequea Valley Wildcats, starting off their season with a DVC matchup.
As the whistle blew to start the game, Metea seemed strong on both sides of the pitch. With an offense that consistently drove down the line and put crosses into the box, alongside a defense that kept the ball safely away from our net, the Mustangs seemed to have the edge on the Wildcats throughout the first half. The game was also very physical, with numerous free kicks being awarded to both teams.
Going into the second half, the Mustangs kept up their high-energy play, attacking Neuqua’s defense even more than in the first half. The team seemed to work very well together, with quick passes and positive communication throughout the squad. Late in the second half, senior Ethan Arbterman drove down the field ready to make a play. He was fouled in the box, giving Metea a penalty shot and the opportunity to gain the lead.
“After missing a few chances and seeing how solid our defense was, I knew I had to finish this one,” Arbertman said.
The energy in the stands was high, with all the crowd’s eyes on one player. In one moment, with zero hesitation, the ball was buried into the top right corner, with a shot that couldn’t have been placed better.
With that goal giving the Mustangs even more energy than they already had, they cruised to the final whistle and secured a perfect start to their season with a home game win.
“We know what we are capable of as a team and need to keep that as our focus for the rest of the season,” Arbertman stated.