Metea Valley shocks Red Devils on late goal

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Updated: November 3, 2011 5:15PM

For a season opener on the first day of the season, Metea Valley’s victory Monday night over Hinsdale Central had a little bit of everything, including crazy goals, a missed penalty kick, three yellow cards and a fluke header to win the game.

The last goal scored by Nate Donovan gave Metea a 2-1 win. The Mustangs, who opened their third season as a program, won their second consecutive season opener. Metea also avenged a 2-0 loss to Hinsdale Central, which was last year’s season opener for the Red Devils.

Donovan scored with 2 minutes, 45 seconds remaining in the game when he headed in a rebound off the right post past junior goallkeeper Harley Pranger. Pranger came in to play in the second half after starter Will Meyer was unable to continue at halftime due to an injury.

All the goals were scored in the second half. Pranger could not get a hand on Metea’s first shot at him when Joel Schmidt scored on a goal fit for YouTube. His free kick from nearly 30 yards out rebounded off the Red Devils’ protective wall. The ball shot right back at Schmidt, who hit the ball out of the air with his right foot. The ball sailed over the wall and Pranger’s outstretched arms.

“I think it was a great way to start the season even though we did not prosper after the first goal,” Schmidt said. “It was crazy. We started off on the right foot. We played well and with composure.”

Hinsdale Central outshot the Mustangs in the second half.

Eight minutes after Schmidt’s goal, Mitch Reavis, Hinsdale Central’s Richmond-bound midfielder, missed a penalty kick wide left with 20:49 remaining after Franco Cattani earned a yellow card in the penalty area.

Mark Tyler scored the Red Devils’ first goal of the season to tie the game with 14:42 to go when Christian Meyer’s free kick hit the left post, but the ball bounced off Tyler’s chest while he was chasing after the ball.

With nine returning starters, the Red Devils (13-7-2 last season, 3-3 West Suburban Silver) hope to challenge two-time defending conference champion Lyons. Hinsdale Central started seniors Gareth Parsons, Reavis and Leandro Perez among its midfielders and seniors Andrew Scott, R.J. Dralle and Zach Chiaramonte on the defense.

“It’s not so much (about) excitement, it’s more confidence and what comes with confidence,” Hinsdale Central coach Mike Wiggins said. “Obviously, we have improved our sense of awareness and ability. Everything goes with being a year older. You’re stronger and more experienced.”

Metea started school Monday with seniors for the first time since the school opened in 2009. Mustangs coach Josh Robinson started seniors Blake Erwin, Cody Jones, Brett Erwin, Schmidt, Kevin Decker and Ryan Solomon in the game.

Solomon had the best chances to score in the first half off a breakaway and then missed one empty net goal when Meyer was out of position. Solomon could not free the ball lodged against the post.

“I think everyone is amped up about getting that first game out of the way,” Metea coach Josh Robinson said. “They were amped up and excited to play. We scored on two quality goals.”

Reavis earned his second yellow, resulting in a red-card ejection, with 2:14 remaining. He will be forced to miss Hinsdale Central’s own Red Devil Cup opener at 5 p.m. Thursday against Downers South.