At first glance, nothing about junior forward Jordan Lange’s diminutive frame strikes fear in the eyes of opposing defenders.
But there is nothing dainty about Lange’s game for Metea Valley.
“Sadly, she’s a little underestimated, a little overlooked in the state,” Metea coach Chris Whaley said. “And I think that’s probably the way our team feels.
“At times, I think that helps us play with a little chip on our shoulder, so we’re out to prove some things.”
Lange proved a couple things Thursday night, scoring twice in the first 17 minutes as the Mustangs held on to beat Benet 2-1 in the Wheaton North Kickoff Classic at Benedictine in Lisle.
It was the first time the host Redwings (1-1) surrendered more than one goal in a game since 2019 ? a span of 32 games.
On the flip side, Lange and the Mustangs (2-0) are already on a roll. They’ve scored six goals in their first two games and Lange has had a hand in four. She recorded two assists in Tuesday’s 4-1 win over Oswego.
“Last year, we played really good against Benet,” Lange said. “They’re ranked higher than us and everyone seems to think they’re obviously better than us.
“We wanted to show everyone we’re good.”
It didn’t take long for Metea to do that. The Mustangs beat the Redwings on several counterattacks early and Lange finished off two.
Freshman midfielder Olivia Hernandez got around the left wing and centered a pass to Lange for the first goal, a 17-yard shot at the 35:30 mark of the first half.
Thirteen minutes later, Lange tapped in a short shot after a scramble in the box. Senior midfielder Leanne Barrett earned the assist.
It meant Benet, coming off a 4-0 win over Wheaton Academy, was staring at a two-goal deficit for the first time in three years.
“The first 10 minutes we played OK,” Benet coach Gerard Oconer said. “We just made some really poor decisions in the back and they’re the type of team that really capitalizes on it.
“That was the difference between our game Tuesday versus the game (Thursday). When we made those mistakes Tuesday, they didn’t make us pay. Metea certainly did. They were so good on the counter. Every time we made a mistake, they would pounce on it.”
The Mustangs have a talented group of forwards, including senior Jocelyn Grabow, junior Tyra King and sophomore Lucy Burk. But Lange is the fastest, according to Northern Michigan-bound defender Addison Wargo.
“I’m always amazed at how she plays,” Wargo said. “She just goes all in and she’s extremely fast.
“I’m even scared to defend her sometimes. It’s really cool to see her move around people and her speed is amazing. I think that’s what puts her ahead of everyone else.”
Lange’s strikes put the Mustangs ahead and Wargo led a stout defensive effort to make the lead stand up.
Lewis recruit Mariana Pinto scored exactly two minutes after Lange’s second goal and Benet had several good opportunities to equalize. But Metea goalkeeper Julia Straub made four saves and the defense stayed strong.
The Mustangs figure to be strong all season long.
“I love my team,” Lange said. “We all have just clicked this year and played really well together. It definitely shows on the field.”
Lange has been showing her skills so well she may not be underrated much longer.
“She’s just creative and confident on the ball,” Whaley said. “She can shoot. She can pass. She can take people on.
“You wouldn’t look at her and worry about her, but once you see her play, you start to wonder.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.