If No. 1 Hinsdale Central and No. 2 Downers Grove South face off in the state tournament, no introduction will be necessary.
Playing in the championship match of its own tournament Saturday, Hinsdale defeated Downers South 2-1 by virtue of penalty kicks.
Neither team could break a 1-1 tie after two overtime periods.
“I can’t say we’re better than them,” said Red Devils goalkeeper Patrick Sperry, who saved 10 shots and scored during the penalty-kick session. “Right now it’s neck and neck.”
Hinsdale Central went ahead 1-0 less than five minutes into the match on Peter Grasso’s goal.
Mike McCormack tied the score for the Mustangs when he converted a deflection with 21 minutes remaining in the first half.
Both teams played conservatively in the second half with no serious scoring threats.
Hinsdale Central (4-0-1) failed to score on a free kick and a corner kick in the first overtime, while Downers Grove South (4-1) failed to capitalize on a scoring opportunity with 2:11 left in the second overtime.
Sperry had dived for a shot to his right, exposing the goal to any Mustangs player who could make contact with the ball.
Instead, a Hinsdale Central defender kicked the ball out of the area as Sperry regrouped.
“It was a tournament atmosphere,” Downers South coach Jon Stapleton said. “These are two great teams who may see each other again.”
After his penalty kick gave Hinsdale a 3-2 advantage, Sperry successfully defended against a Downers South attempt that went wide left.
Grasso then clinched the victory with the Red Devils’ fourth penalty kick goal in five attempts.
“This is preparation for November,” Hinsdale Central coach Michael Wiggins said, alluding to the state tournament. “No matter what the rankings are, we have a long way to go.”
It was an exhausting day for both teams, each of which had to win in the morning to advance to the championship match. Hinsdale Central defeated Morton 3-2 and Downers Grove South defeated Hinsdale South 6-0.
