Swift, Naperville North edge Metea Valley

Awarded a penalty kick with 24:32 left in a scoreless contest, Naperville North had to finally feel pretty good about its chances of coming away with a victory during Monday’s game against Metea Valley.

Until, that is, Zoe Swift’s shot went too far right.

Fortunately for the Huskies, there were other opportunities, including what proved to be the only one that mattered as Swift scored the game-winner with 2:24 remaining and Naperville North held on for a 1-0 victory.

“We just had to keep on going because eventually we’d get one in and be able to come away with a win,” Swift said. “My teammates helped me through (the missed penalty kick) and I kept focused. We knew we’d get another chance and we finally did.”

Naperville North (8-3-1) didn’t take first-year Metea Valley lightly, especially since the Huskies recognized the great deal of success the Mustangs have had already this spring.

“I thought we were sloppy, but I think they were forcing us to play sloppy and faster than we wanted to,” Naperville North coach Brent Terada said. “We were not as accurate and clean we would’ve liked.”

Swift had a decent look for a shot with 8:34 left but Metea Valley keeper Megan Gelderick was able to make the save. Swift had another chance with 4:03 remaining but this time she misfired. Finally, she scored the game winner as she gained possession amongst a small gathering of Huskies and Mustangs and from short range blasted past Geldernick.

“We just made a commitment to outwork the other team,” Terada said. “I’m not sure if it worked or not but we checked every ball and challenged every look and I think we limited some of their opportunities.”

Metea Valley (10-6-1) didn’t appear intimidated by the Huskies but made the costly mistake of leaving the ball in the box, especially with Swift in close proximity.

“We can’t let balls bounce around down there, but it’s one they’ll learn from and we’ll come back Thursday and Saturday with two good matches,” Metea Valley coach Pat Feulner said. “I was proud with how they played tonight. They played hard and took it to these guys and frustrated them and played well.”