Polk County Middle recovered from a difficult opening stretch Wednesday and played much better after halftime, but Apple Valley found a late goal to earn a 2-1 Blue Ridge Conference victory in Hendersonville.
Apple Valley controlled much of the opening 18 minutes and took the lead in the 12th minute, scoring from about 16 yards with a shot into the right corner of the goal.
Polk found an equalizer against the run of play in the 28th minute. An Apple Valley handball resulted in a penalty kick, and Julian Albarran converted to send the match into halftime tied at 1-1.
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Polk Middle head coach Lennox Charles said the Wolverines were much sharper in the second half, connecting passes more consistently, defending better in one-on-one situations and creating the better share of play.
But Polk couldn’t convert its opportunities. The Wolverines had three quality chances during the match, one in the first half and two after halftime, without finding a second goal.
Apple Valley made Polk pay in the 59th minute, scoring from the top of the penalty area with a low shot into the left corner for the decisive goal.
The loss dropped Polk County Middle to 5-3-1 overall and 5-3-1 in Blue Ridge Conference play. Apple Valley improved to 5-4.
Polk travels to Brevard Middle on Monday.
GAME RECORD
- date: Sept. 23, 2026
- sport / gender / level: soccer / boys / middle school
- home/away · opponent: away · Apple Valley Middle
- result: Apple Valley Middle 2, Polk County Middle 1
- winner: Apple Valley Middle
- record after: 5-3-1 overall, 5-3-1 conference
- next game: Monday, Sept. 28 at Brevard Middle
- recap post format: Standard
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Polk County Middle rebounded from a difficult start and played much better in the second half Wednesday, but Apple Valley scored in the 59th minute to earn a 2-1 Blue Ridge Conference win. Julian Albarran scored Polk’s goal on a first-half penalty kick.
X / Bluesky / Threads
Julian Albarran converted a first-half penalty kick Wednesday, but Apple Valley scored late to edge Polk County Middle 2-1 in Blue Ridge Conference play.
