NAPERVILLE – In two years, Hinsdale Central girls soccer has come a long way.
A year after going 9-13-2, the Red Devils will take a second place state trophy back to Hinsdale.
Undefeated defending champion Naperville North knocked off the Red Devils 2-1 in the Class 3A state final at North Central College on Saturday.
The Red Devils (18-4-3) simply couldn’t contain Huskies’ forward Zoe Swift. Swift scored twice in the first 20 minutes to build a lead Central couldn’t recover from.
Swift broke through the defense in the sixth minute and finished with a low shot towards the far post. Nearly 11 minutes later she volleyed in a free kick that came in from 10 yards inside midfield.
Megan Schick got the Red Devils within one in the 50th minute by stuffing the ball in after a scrum in front.
“The girls showed that we are a quality side,” said Central coach Michael Smith. “We believed that all season, but we needed to prove on the field to everyone else that we belong here as well.”
Despite the loss the Red Devils had a memorable weekend at state that included a 1-0 win in the semifinal over Barrington.
“The whole experience was amazing for my team and myself,” said senior Casey May. “Our team was so excited to be here. I think just the energy is what made us win the first game and keep us in the second game.”